The Man United XI Mourinho must pick vs. Sunderland
There are signs that Manchester United may have turned a corner after an indifferent start to Jose Mourinho’s time as Old Trafford boss.
Now ten games unbeaten in all competitions, they host Sunderland on Boxing Day knowing that a win could move them to within a point of the top four positions.
The Red Devils have an excellent December 26 record, too – no other team has won more on this date in Premier League history. They’ve played on the day after Christmas on 21 occasions, winning a massive 18 times and losing just once.
Added to that, Sunderland have lost five of their last six away trips in the Premier League.
It all gives home fans plenty of confidence heading into the fixture, and they’re keen to see if United can actually go on an extended winning run and head into 2017 full of positivity.
This is the XI that we think Mourinho should play to get a result vs. the Black Cats…
GK: David de Gea
Keeping a clean sheet in the last match against West Brom, De Gea has shown no signs he’s about to be replaced anytime soon.
He hasn’t actually had much to do recently given United’s defensive improvements but a sharp showing last time out at Old Trafford against Spurs means that the home crowd will have plenty of confidence he will produce when called upon.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Valencia has been one of United’s most consistent performers this season even when they’ve not been picking up wins.
His drive and determination is key on the right-hand side and it’s unlikely Sunderland will get much joy in an attacking sense against him either.
Ever reliable, he’s a no-brainer to start against the Black Cats.
CB: Phil Jones
Jones has been in fine form for United ever since a poor display against Arsenal at Old Trafford in November. The English centre-back looks increasingly confident and assured in the Red Devils’ backline.
That was never more apparent than against Spurs at Old Trafford earlier this month. He didn’t give Tottenham a sniff that day and is likely to prove too strong for Sunderland also.
CB: Marcos Rojo
Like Jones, Rojo has been in excellent form for United over the last month or so, despite enjoying some luck in not being punished for reckless challenges.
He was particularly impressive last time out vs. West Brom, keeping Salomon Rondon quiet on the back of his sensational hat-trick the game before.
He deserves his place in the side this Boxing Day to continue his partnership with Phil Jones.
LB: Matteo Darmian
Darmian was one of United’s best players last week against West Brom and will surely keep his place in the team against Sunderland.
Tireless and strong in the tackle, it’s unlikely that the likes of Fabio Borini will be able to expose him on the left-hand side of the Red Devils’ defence.
With Luke Shaw still out of favour with Mourinho, he’s the best option for the Old Trafford boss.
CM: Ander Herrera
From the heart of midfield, Herrera has emerged as one of United’s most vital players, and he hasn’t put a foot wrong for months.
He was particularly impressive against Spurs in United’s last home game, providing the assist for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to score his first Premier League goal. Building a fine partnership with Michael Carrick, the United midfield is looking increasingly strong.
CM: Michael Carrick
For us, Carrick is an underrated component of this Manchester United side. Often not flashy, his quiet work in the middle of the park is the platform on which United’s good form has been built.
It’s rare he’ll misplace a pass and he can pick out a player at all ranges, front to back, left to right.
Alongside Herrera, he’s been key in allowing Paul Pogba to flourish in a more attacking role and we expect that to continue this Boxing Day.
RAM: Jesse Lingard
After a spell on the bench, Lingard got his opportunity to shine against West Brom last week and took it with aplomb.
He set-up Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s opener, his first assist in the Premier League since September against Leicester City, and that should be enough for him to retain his place but with the likes of Juan Mata also competing for the right-wing position, could have to bide his time again.
CAM: Paul Pogba
Despite arriving for a world-record sum of money, Pogba has looked worth every penny. Dominating the midfield in almost every match he plays, his role has become increasingly an attacking one with Carrick and Herrera contributing defensively.
He’s been the beating heart of this United resurgence and will likely be heavily involved in any goals this Boxing Day.
LAM: Wayne Rooney
Starting United’s last two Premier League games, it looks Rooney has won his place back in Mourinho’s first-team.
He set-up the second of Ibrahimovic’s goals against West Brom and looked a constant threat on United’s left-hand side, cutting inside and linking up well with Pogba and the Swedish striker.
We’d expect to see him get another chance at Old Trafford and fans will be hoping he can bag his first goal since the 4-0 win against Feyenoord.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic is in some of the best form of his entire career which, at the age of 35, is quite the accomplishment.
He’s scored ten goals in his last nine United games and shows no signs of slowing down. He’ll be vital again against Sunderland and the Black Cats could be powerless to prevent him from getting on the scoresheet.
He’s simply unstoppable when playing like he is.