Rashford and Mata Start, 4-2-3-1: Strongest Manchester United XI To Face Benfica

Manchester United will shift their attention to Champions League football in midweek when they take on Benfica from the Estadio da Luz. The Red Devils are presently three points ahead of both FC Basel and CSKA Moscow in Group A, and a victory over bottom-side Benfica would pretty much assure them of the top spot with three games to play.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Lineup:

David de Gea produced a stunning reflex save in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool, and this shows the value he adds to the star-studded United squad. The Spaniard is a certainty to start in goal. Antonio Valencia has been left out of the travelling side, and Ashley Young is likely to take up the right-back position. Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian are presently the contenders for the left-back spot, and the former could get the nod after his good performance versus CSKA. Victor Lindelof has taken part in both of United’s Champions League outings, and he could once more partner Chris Smalling in central defence. The Swede will be facing his former club for the first time since his summer move.

Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic are pretty much certain to start in central midfield with Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini all nursing respective injuries. Anthony Martial could not make much of an impression on the left wing versus Liverpool, and this could earn Marcus Rashford his maiden Champions League start. Elsewhere, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata could take their positions in the number 10 and right-wing spots respectively with Romelu Lukaku leading the line for the third Champions League game in a row. Lukaku already has three goals in just two European outings.