Manchester United vs Stoke City: Three key battles

Jose Mourinho and his men will be looking to replicate their performance against Leicester as they face Stoke City on Sunday in the early kick off.

After this match the international break will take place for two weeks, so Mourinho will want his players to finish in a strong position.

Meanwhile for Stoke City, they are yet to win a league game this season and will be expected to give the Red Devils a tough time.

Here are three key battles that could shape the outcome of the fixture.

Juan Mata vs Joe Allen

The Spaniard is looking to get back to his best, with Mourinho utilising him in his favourite position behind the striker. His first game in the number ten role was against Leicester, helping the side to a victory through his fantastic movement on and off the ball. Mata bagged a goal and produced an assist during the match which will mean Wayne Rooney won’t be returning to the starting eleven anytime soon.

Stoke City’s Joe Allen will have a big task of keeping Mata quiet throughout the game at Old Trafford. Despite being one of the four players that have scored for Stoke in the league so far this season, Allen will need his defensive abilities to be at the highest level to prevent the 28-year-old from creating any attacks or having the chance to shoot on sight.

Xherdan Shaqiri vs Daley Blind

The Swiss international will surely be Stoke City’s key player once the attack gets going, so far producing 2.5 key passes per game. After the opening fixture of the season, Shaqiri missed over a months of football due to a calf injury, but is now back to help the side who have struggled for creativity and goals.

Daley Blind is expected to play for the Red Devils in the left-back role, with Luke Shaw still out with an illness and is unlikely to be risked for the match by Mourinho. The Dutchman has already filled in at left-back last week, keeping Riyad Mahrez quiet in the first half and will be up against another fast and skilful winger in Shaqiri.

Marcus Rashford vs Glen Johnson

In recent weeks, Rashford has arguably been one of the best players for United, currently on three goals in the Premier League. Following on from what was a impressive debut season, it’s more or less guaranteed that Rashford will be playing a big role towards any of the club’s success, whether it’s this campaign or in the future.

Glen Johnson is most likely to be used at right-back for Stoke City at Old Trafford, and will have a big test facing Rashford’s bursting pace and impressive awareness in the final third. Despite the 32-year-old not being a regular starter for the Potters, he will be looking to impress Mark Hughes this weekend by nullifying United’s wonder boy, which won’t be an easy job to do.