United Ramble

Following three successive defeats on the trot Manchester United finally got back to winning ways this week as Mourinho seen his men defeat Northampton Town 3-1 at sixfields to progress to the fourth round of the league cup and with Leicester City next up on the agenda the Portuguese will no doubt be hoping to take all three points against the foxes to close the gap at the top of the premier league table to Manchester City to three points.

Having made nine changes midweek against Northampton Mourinho is likely to name a more familiar starting eleven against Leicester City with the likes of David De Gea, Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly and Paul Pogba all widely expected to be brought back into the starting eleven.

Mourinho is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation against Claudio Ranieri’s men with four across the back, two central midfielders, two wide men out on the flanks, a playmaker sitting at number ten and one lone front man up top.

In between the sticks David De Gea will return for United having been handed a rest earlier in the week with Argentine shot stopper Sergio Romero returning to the substitutes bench. At right-back Antonio Valencia will be recalled by Mourinho who like De Gea was handed a much needed rest against the cobblers earlier in the week.

The Ecuadorian has enjoyed a fine start to the new campaign and will be looking to continue his impressive form when he takes to the field against Leicester at Old Trafford tomorrow. In the heart of United’s defence the Portuguese is likely to name Eric Bailly alongside Chris Smalling whilst at left-back Marcus Rojo will keep his place in the side with Luke Shaw unavailable for Mourinho after suffering a groin injury against Watford last Sunday.

Acting as the holding defensive midfielder will be Michael Carrick. The 35-year-old ran the show for United against Northampton and Mourinho will be hoping for more of the same against Leicester. Partnering Carrick in the centre of midfield will be Paul Pogba. Carrick’s inclusion to the starting eleven will give the Frenchman far more freedom further up the field and will allow Pogba to fully express himself.

Out on the right hand side Juan Mata will come back into the starting eleven for Mourinho with Dutchman Memphis Depay been the man to make way. Youngster Marcus Rashford is set to be handed a start by his new boss after scoring twice in his last two appearances for United.

However it will be at number ten where all of the attention will be. Rooney’s disappointing start to the new campaign has left Mourinho little choice but to remove the skipper from his starting eleven and hand Spaniard Ander Herrera an opportunity to impress in the number ten role.

Leading United’s attack will be none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede already has three league goals to his name thus far and no doubt will be looking to add to his tally when he faces Leicester City tomorrow.