van Gaal Makes 2 Changes: Predicted Man Utd Starting XI To Face Stoke

Manchester United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they take on Stoke City at the Britannia on Thursday. Here is the side we think Louis van Gaal will select:

Goalkeeper: David De Gea has been United’s most consistent performer this season and there’s no chance van Gaal will leave him out.

Defence: The Dutch coach has gone with three at the back of late and it looks like he’ll continue to do so again on Thursday. Chris Smalling could come into the side having recovered from injury with Paddy McNair the most likely to make way. Marcos Rojo continues to miss out with injury so Phil Jones and Jonny Evans are likely to make up the defence.

Midfield: Michael Carrick is expected to be joined by Wayne Rooney in midfield once again, although Ander Herrera is back in contention after returning to training today. Marouane Fellaini is still out so he joins Daley Blind on the sidelines with the Dutchman still not fit after six weeks out with a knee injury.

Angel Di Maria has picked up a fresh injury in training so will once again miss out meaning it will be Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia on the wings, as Luke Shaw and Rafael are not deemed fit enough to start having made their injury returns with second half sub appearances against Spurs.

Attack: With Rooney in midfield, Juan Mata should continue to play in the ‘hole’ behind the front two. Radamel Falcao could get a breather as the Colombian may struggle to play three games in six days as he continues to build up his match fitness, so James Wilson could start alongside Robin van Persie up front.

Here is how I think we’ll see United line-up:

What do you think of the team and what eleven would you pick?