Swansea vs Manchester United: Preview

by  on  in All, Manchester United, Pre/Post Match, Pre&Post Match

Summary

After taking all three points at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, Swansea look to make history as they host Manchester United at 3PM this Saturday.  The Swans haven’t taken points from the Red devils in both fixtures since the 1933/34 season, could this be there time to change this?

Manchester United head into the fixture with a vital FA Cup win against Preston North End on their backs, a win which has resulted in a quarter final tie against Arsenal. This puts Louis Van Gaal’s men on a 19 game win streak, and in his latest press conference Van Gaal has hailed his teams ‘unbelievable’ team spirit. United fans will be hoping that this team spirit will help the Red Devils regain their rightful Champions League spot.

It has been two weeks since Swansea’s last games after being knocked out of the FA Cup 4th round by Blackburn Rovers. The Welsh team currently sit an impressive ninth in the table, however, Gary Monk’s men have been inconsistent since the Christmas period and the loss of Wilfred Bony during the January transfer window has been a major factor in the Swans poor form.

Team News

Swansea will welcome the return of key man Gylfi Sigurðsson who returns after a three match ban. Sigurðsson currently has eight assists to his name this season, second only to Fabregas, and the Icelandic is a threat to any team. The Home team however, will be without Kyle Bartley who has suffered a knee injury.

For Manchester United, Van Gaal has declared that only Michael Carrick is the only injury absentee. Van Gaal also mentioned that both Phil Jones and Robin Van Persie are fit to play, he stated “they are fit to play. Only Carrick is still injured.”

Team Line-ups

During the first half of the game against Preston North End, Van Gaal’s men struggled (similar to the game against Burnley). United lined-up with a diamond formation, and although this formation has its positives, it also has its fair share of negatives. The formation can often lead to the midfield 4 becoming suffocated, with the space in the middle becoming more enclosed as the team moves further forward, leading to little space for players to run into, and inevitably the ball going backwards towards the defence (que long ball). As said in the previous preview, adding width would change this. It allows for the defence to become stretched and opens up more space for players to run into. Again I feel a 4-2-3-1 formation is best suited for Manchester United.

As always, in nets De Gea should retain his place. In front of him, I expect both Rojo and Smalling to continue their partnership, despite the potential return of Phil Jones. At Left-back England youngster Luke Shaw should make an appearance and continue on from his impressive form. The Youngster has shown great power and pace in both defending and attacking, and game time will allow for his abilities to improve further. At right-back I expect the experienced Antonio Valencia to make an appearance.

Herrera impressed again on Monday night, and fans will be hoping that Louis Van Gaal starts him again in the midfield. Alongside Herrera, Daley Blind is expected to keep his place in the middle. On the right wing Di Maria should keep his place in the team. The Argentine seemed to enjoy playing on the wing during the FA Cup tie against Preston North End. On the left wing there is a possible return for Ashley Young. Young was arguably Manchester United’s best player before he got injured, and many fans have restored confidence in him after a torrid couple of seasons with the Red Devils. Young’s impact on the team was immediate on Monday Night after he came on as a substitute. He added width to the team and within six minutes of his substitution Manchester United had scored a goal.

Source: manutd.com

Source: manutd.com

Behind the striker I expect Wayne Rooney to make an appearance in his familiar number ten role. Rooney has been consistent in his performances this season, however it is when playing just off the front man that Rooney seems to flourish the most. The mix between his passing ability, work rate and his finishing are vital for the team and when playing in this position Rooney is able to exploit these valuable assets. In front of Rooney, I expected Robin Van Persie to make an appearance, ahead of Falcao. The Dutchman is struggling to find his form of the 2012/13 season, however Van Gaal may feel that now is his chance to rekindle his form after the recently poor performances of Falcao.

To conclude, although I can see both teams having their fair share of chances, United’s quality should pull them through. With this said I predict a 3-1 win for Louis Van Gaal’s men.

James Bingham

James Bingham

Hello, my names James and I will be keeping you up to date with football across the globe, as well as offering my own insight!
James Bingham

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