For Manchester United and their coach Louis Van Gaal, some major personnel decisions await for Sunday’s clutch match against Everton. Injuries forced several key figures to miss time over the last few weeks and their replacements filled in admirably. So much so, Van Gaal now has some tough choices to make.
So let the guessing games begin.
Luke Shaw was positively brilliant against Chelsea, setting up several chances, the first when he set up Wayne Rooney, whose shot went wide early on – and the 19-year-old now hopes to retain his place at Goodison Park. Amongst those most impressed was former full-back Phil Neville:” It was his best performance in a United shirt,You saw a glimpse on Saturday of what Luke Shaw is about with the way he went forward, got to the by-line and overlapped with pace and power. He could be the left-back for the next 10 or 15 years.”
Indeed the youngster does demonstrate nice ball skills and at times, deft passing. Shaw’s toughest competition to remain with the first team is with Van Gaal’s fellow countryman Daley Blind, that is if the Dutchman is available after missing the Chelsea trip due to injury.Blind has impressed at left-back in recent weeks, providing a steady and dependable outlet, and he can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder if, Michael Carrick isn’t fit again. Blind’s versatility could give him a one-up over Shaw.
Also in the mix are Paddy McNair, who earned high praise for his play at Stamford Bridge, where he started in place of Phil Jones, another key player who was declared unable to play. There is also the possibility of using Jonny Evans, after having served his six-match suspension and logging 90 minutes for the Under-21s at Leicester City on Monday. However, Van Gaal will more than likely be unable to call on either Rafael and Adnan Januzaj, who are both doubtful after exiting their previous match with injuries.
At Forward, Wayne Rooney, who played in midfield last time out could return to his regular role up front if Blind or Carrick are deemed able to play. The steady and talented Radamel Falcano will be determined to retain his starting berth in the starting unit,while Robin van Persie will also hope to play in some capacity after his brief appearance for the Under-21s.
The Top Flight
Only the most devout the Reds’ fans can come closest to guessing what is going through Van Gaal’s mind right now. He is of course in an enviable position, having to chose from his talented regulars and a gifted collection of Under-21s to form his side for Sunday. I think Shaw has played his way into a regular spot, but will Van Gaal chose his countryman Blind over Shaw? Will he keep Rooney in midfield? Will we see the return of Evans?
Who do you think Van Gaal will select against Everton?
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