How Manchester United should line up against Benfica in the Champions League :-: Metro
METRO
Manchester United will look to continue their 100% start to their Champions League campaign when they take on Benfica in Portugal on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils have collected six points from their first two matches and a win in Lisbon would all but confirm their progress to the knockout stages.
United maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a bore draw against Liverpool on Saturday and there are likely to be a number of changes against Benfica.
Defence
David De Gea kept a seventh clean sheet in eight league games this season at Anfield and produced one of his greatest ever saves from point blank range against Joel Matip.The Spaniard is playing some of his best ever football right now and has to start in Lisbon behind what is likely to be a much-changed defence.
Eric Bailly missed Saturday’s draw and has not been included in the squad for Wednesday. Instead, Mourinho has brought Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo along. Rojo has not played since his cruciate injury in April and shouldn’t be risked. Shaw underwhelmed for the U23s on Sunday but he is fresh and should start in Lisbon at left-back.
Phil Jones has been United’s best defender so far this term but is needed in the league and should be rested. Chris Smalling is fit and Victor Lindelof should come in to partner him against his former club. At right-back, Matteo Darmian can give Antonio Valencia a much-needed rest.
Midfield
Mourinho will be concerned by how much Nemanja Matic is playing on the back of a short pre-season but the Red Devils have little choice right now. Matic spent three years at Benfica and will be determined to play against his former club.
Ander Herrera failed to impress against Liverpool on Saturday but it would be a risk to play Axel Tuanzebe or Scott McTominay at such a stage in the competition.
Attack
Henrikh Mkhitaryan started the season in fantastic fashion but his performances have dipped in recent weeks and he needs a rest. Juan Mata’s spent most of the season on the right wing but by resting Mkhitaryan the Spaniard can play in his favoured attacking midfield position.
Mourinho’s chosen one of Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford so far this term and the former’s performance on Saturday did little to state his case for a permanent starting spot. Rashford had a slight knock on Saturday but his pace and direct style of play will be useful against a nervy Benfica defence.
On the right, Jesse Lingard deserves to start. The England international’s been starved of games this season and, while he’s not every supporters’ cup of tea, he is much liked by Mourinho. The winger makes constant runs in behind and his work off the ball is brilliant for the likes of Mata and Lukaku to operate.
Up top, Lukaku will be looking to get back on the goal trail after a frustrating performance against Liverpool.
How Manchester United should line up…
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