Ander Herrera to stake a claim and other talking points as Man United face CSKA Moscow

Brendon Netto 19:12 26/09/2017
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  • Following a convincing 3-0 win over FC Basel at Old Trafford, Manchester United look for their second win in Group A of the Champions League when they face CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.

    Jose Mourinho’s side travel to Moscow on the back of a hard fought away win at Southampton on Saturday.

    CSKA meanwhile, are looking for their second win in the group stages as well after opening with a 2-1 win over Benfica a fortnight ago.

    Here’s a look at some key talking points ahead of the encounter.

    HERRERA TO STAKE A CLAIM

    One of the more talked about exclusions from United’s first team this season has been that of Ander Herrera’s. After being voted the club’s Player of the Year, the Spaniard had seemingly been frozen out by Mourinho.

    The Portuguese claims it’s clearly a product of the form shown by Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic but following the former’s injury, Herrera has still failed to get the nod with Marouane Fellaini being preferred instead.

    With the Belgian ruled out for this fixture with an ankle injury, Herrera appears set to make a rare start this season and must take full advantage in order to force himself back into the starting eleven.

    There’s no question about what he brings to the team. His energy, tenacity, passing and work ethic featured prominently last term. As United came under pressure at Southampton, Herrera was the man who stepped up and weathered the storm.

    In fact, he made seven tackles, more than any other player in the league this weekend, despite only being on the pitch for 28 minutes.

    Ander Herrera

    Ander Herrera

    ANOTHER AUDITION FOR LINDELOF-BAILLY PAIRING

    In terms of a central defensive partnership, all eyes were on Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof ahead of the season. They were seen by many as the first choice pairing after Bailly enjoyed a hugely impressive first season at Old Trafford while Lindelof came highly rated from Benfica.

    However, it’s the forgotten man Phil Jones who has come to fore and shone for United this season. Mourinho appears to be handling the injury prone defender with care though, starting him in every Premier League fixture so far while resting him in cup competitions, as he has again for their trip to Moscow.

    Lindelof didn’t come to United to warm the bench and will be taking every start seriously. Bailly has a point to prove as well after looking a little shaky in recent weeks with Jones having to sweep up behind him.

    CSKA will pose a serious threat to the visitors and a solid performance against the Russian Premier League runners-up will force Mourinho to take notice.

    Victor Lindelof

    Victor Lindelof

    UNITED’S CSKA HANGOVER

    The Premier League race has gotten off to a tight start with the Manchester clubs neck and neck in the lead. Mourinho will know that every point dropped could prove costly and will have that in mind while his side is away in Moscow.

    United have never lost against CSKA but trips to the VEB Arena have cost them in the league. In 2009, they secured a 1-0 win at the venue but then suffered a 2-0 defeat at Anfield four days later.

    In 2015, they drew 1-1 in Russia but then had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Manchester City at home. Of course, Crystal Palace, who United face on Saturday, are hardly the same level of opposition. But it’s clear that this particular fixture does manage to take a bit out of United.

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