da roleta： Manchester United have hit the rich vein of form they badly needed to turn a corner in the Premier League.
da aviator aposta： Mourinho’s reign at Old Trafford had been littered with inconsistent performances but those seem a thing of the best given that the Red Devils are on an eleven-game unbeaten run, having won their last five matches in all competitions. It’s put them right back into contention for a top four position and a vital Champions League qualification spot.
With those above them in excellent form themselves, they need to keep winning and the visit of Middlesbrough provides an excellent chance of doing so. Boro have only won once away from home this season and that was to struggling Sunderland.
They have, however, earned some creditable draws, most notably away to Arsenal and Manchester City. They clearly know how to frustrate the elite sides and United cannot be complacent heading into the fixture.
With that in mind, which XI should Mourinho pick? Who are his in-form players? This is the Man United XI we think should play to extend that unbeaten run to twelve…
GK: David de Gea
David de Gea hasn’t really been tested between the sticks for Manchester United over the last month but does look a lot more comfortable with the defence in front of him, now that they’ve come into some decent form.
The United backline has undoubtedly improved in recent weeks and only three teams in the division have conceded less than them this season.
Given that only Hull have scored less than Boro meanwhile, we’re not expecting the United ‘keeper to be tested to any great degree on New Year’s Eve.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Fabio Borini and the Sunderland attack did a decent job getting at Antonio Valencia on Boxing Day and United fans will be hoping for a better display when Boro come to town.
Across the season, however, Valencia has performed well so we see no reason for him to lose his place. His tireless displays on the right-hand side are often to the benefit of the whole team, even if they rarely grab the headlines.
CB: Phil Jones
Phil Jones is finally looking comfortable as a player under Jose Mourinho. His performances at the back have been a big part of the uptick in form from Manchester United.
Another solid showing against Sunderland on Boxing Day means he easily keeps his place in the side for the visit of Middlesbrough. There’s been a lot of chatter about United needing to improve their defence in January but if the England international can continue in his current manner, perhaps their resources could be better spent elsewhere.
CB: Marcos Rojo
Marcos Rojo, like Jones, has had a solid month in a Manchester United jersey and should retain his place here.
The defender’s ability to play out of defence is a big positive for the Red Devils and that could be even more key against Middlesbrough, with United likely to have much more of possession on the day.
He can step forward bring the ball into the midfield.
LB: Daley Blind
Daley Blind hasn’t played much over the last month, but when he has, he’s been one of United’s better performers. The Dutchman definitely deserves an extended run in the team.
He was the man who got United on their way against Sunderland, scoring in the first half before late goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
He has the ability to impact the game positively from left-back and should start vs. Boro.
CM: Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera has been ever present in the side through December and is one of the reasons United have turned things around.
He’s having a great spell in a red shirt as the man who keeps everything ticking in midfield. His passing is second to none and his ability to dictate the tempo of a match has been vital to Mourinho’s side in recent weeks. The Spaniard has become a midfielder the United fans can rely on to compliment the likes of Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba.
CM: Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is the beating heart of this United side and when fit should always play. His creative passing can unlock even the most stubborn of defences and he provides extra protection in front of the defence.
He may not grab the headlines and his performances may be quiet at times, but he’s reliable and goes about his business in an understated fashion. If he plays well you know United are probably going to win.
AMR: Juan Mata
Juan Mata has been somewhat short of confidence over the last month. His last Premier League goal came in the 1-1 game vs. Arsenal and he’s not contributed many since.
United will need every last bit of attacking threat available to break down what will be a dogged Middlesbrough side so he deserves another 90 minutes to show what he can do.
We know that on his day he can be one of the most effective players in the league. Can he show it?
AMC: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has been a force of nature in the United midfield and chipped in with assist number four against Sunderland. Three of those have come in December, highlighting what an incredible month he’s had at Old Trafford.
His combative play will be vital again up against Boro. If anyone can inspire and drag United to victory, it’s this man.
AML: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan returned from injury off the bench against Sunderland to score a goal of the season contender.
That makes it three goals in his last three appearances and he’s finally emerging into the talent that Mourinho can rely upon to produce in the Premier League.
His impact and goal should be enough to earn him a start vs. Boro and he’s the player United fans will perhaps be looking forward to seeing most, with many supporters desperate for the Armenian to realise his potential at Old Trafford.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic appears to be getting better with each passing game. The striker’s ability to win games almost on his own is unmatched in the league.
He was at it again vs. Sunderland, not just scoring but setting up United’s other two goals. It means his tally for the season stands at 14 goals and 3 assists in just 23 starts for the club.
If he turns up to the Boro game in similar form, Aitor Karanka’s side may not have much of a chance.