How Manchester United Will Line Up Against Chelsea

David Moyes faces his first big test as Manchester United manager on Monday.

He dodged a banana skin against Wigan in the Community Shield and comfortably got over the first hurdle of a difficult start to the season against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

But Chelsea at home is a different prospect. 

Aside from the season's first meeting with a genuine title contender, there are plenty of sub-plots.

Some United fans would have liked to see Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford rather than Moyes. The Portuguese looked like he was on a charm offensive when Real Madrid came to Manchester in the Champions League last season.

He granted interviews to MUTV and even conceded United had been the better team over the two legs.

But Sir Alex Ferguson chose Moyes as his replacement, picking stability over a coach who has a track record of success. It's hard to see Mourinho being quite so gracious when he returns to Old Trafford, this time as manager of Chelsea.

Then there's Wayne Rooney. 

If Mourinho had his way, the England striker would be wearing blue on Monday. The visiting fans also will make no secret of their desire to see him at Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline.

If Rooney plays, he will be reminded with every touch that he wants that too. Every smile at a Chelsea player will be analysed for a hidden meaning, every interaction with Mourinho discussed.

If United had been beaten by Swansea, and if Rooney was fully fit, Moyes would have a decision to make. Is it sensible to start a player against a team he wants to join?

But after United played so well without Rooney at the Liberty Stadium, Moyes can pick the same team. 

After a week's rest, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand should be fit enough to be paired at centre-half. Even 39-year-old Ryan Giggs should be able to play twice in eight days.

Danny Welbeck's two goals against Swansea are enough to keep Rooney out of the team on form, regardless of the other issues surrounding the game. 

The only decision facing Moyes is whether Rooney is in the right frame of mind to be a substitute.

A player of his quality is a wonderful option to have on the bench, but not if he doesn't really want to play. 

Follow Rob on Twitter at @RobDawsonMEN