There has been a lot made about the notion that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho doesn’t know his best XI at this point in time.
There have indeed been some rather strange selection decisions but he knows his players better than anyone outside the club and there are mitigating factors for some. For example, Henrikh Mkhitaryan has taken time to adapt after a traumatic Old Trafford bow against Manchester City in September.
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And problems in his personal life have clearly left Anthony Martial under par.
But when everyone is fit and firing TFF believes that Manchester United’s best XI is pretty obvious.
David de Gea
No debate here.
Luke Shaw
His pace and power have been missed when he is injured and, although his defending can improve, he makes the team far more threatening going forward.
Daley Blind
Neither he nor Smalling are necessarily the perfect partner for Bailly. But Blind has the better technique of the two.
Eric Bailly
What a superb signing.
Antonio Valencia
An decent right back but one would hope that Timothy Fosu-Mensah matures quickly.
Michael Carrick
Age is not an issue with Carrick as he is still fit as a fiddle. HAS to be picked.
Paul Pogba
Needs to play in the same position every week. And with Carrick alongside him.
Anthony Martial
Manchester United have sorely missed his pace and clinical play in attack.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Will be a wonderful player for Manchester United if and when he finds his feet.
Marcus Rashford
Perfect for the right wing with his pace, crossing and dribbling ability.
Zlatan
Still a master – just needs a goal.
