Manchester United Vs Liverpool: No more Young, give us Kagawa!

As well as Nani, the da Silva twins and Javier Hernandez! Given the results so far David Moyes may just well go for the break – and change the team that he had preferred for the last 6 games. After all it is in Manchester United’s tradition to field either players who are not playing regularly or youngster at a Capital One  Cup (formerly League Cup) fixture.
What most diehard Manchester United’s fans would want to see is a totally different starting XI given that Sir Alex Ferguson use to field squad players and youngsters for this type of fixture,  regardless of the opponents. The fact that the opponent is Liverpool and it is at Old Trafford makes this game highly anticipated. Also includes the fact that both teams are coming off shock losses in the Premier League at the weekend – with United faring the worst, a 4-1 thumping by cross city rival as well as fellow title contenders. Add to that it is also the game where Liverpool’s bad boy Luiz Suarez will make his return to competitive action after serving the 10 match ban – for yet another of his puzzling on-field antic.

 

Anders Lindegaard should gets the nod replacing David De Gea and it will be his first start for Manchester United this season. Another player, centre back Jonny Evans is also due a start and should see him pairing with either Phil Jones (if fit) or Chris Smalling. Smalling had surprisingly started United’s last two games at rightback given the injuries to Rafael da Silva and Phil Jones. Fullbacks position should also see Fabio da Silva and Alexander Buttner getting the nod, with Buttner yet to feature this season.

 

In midfield the pairing of the once effective and energetic Anderson and Tom Cleverly should be given the nod ahead of Marouane Fellaine and Michael Carrick. At the flanks Adnan Januzaj and Nani should start – both have also yet to start a game this season. David Moyes could always field youngster Wilfred Zaha but given the opponent one would suspect Nani would be prefer due to his experience and the fact that he definitely needs game time. Up front should see the pairing of Javier Hernandez with Shinji Kagawa filling the No 10 roles. This is of course clear cut unless David Moyes wants better assurance and in that case he may just include the in-form Wayne Rooney. A highly affective bench in the form of Robin Van Persie (if fit), Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Fellaini and Carrick would be ideal should the games move away from United.

 

Anything other the above line-up would see further criticism for David Moyes over his team selection. Moyes must remember that he has a big squad and with 2 games per week fixtures from now on, the effective utilization of the squad is very important. Moyes must learn from the past where Alex Ferguson had successful rotate his squad with maximum effectiveness. After the thumping by Manchester City over the weekend Moyes could not afford yet another loss after a difficult start to his reign at Old Trafford.