Set for return

By Chris O'Brien
August 24 2014

Manchester United will look to bounce back from their opening day defeat at the hands of Swansea City as they travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Louis van Gaal is expected to make changes to his United XI as he embarks on his first away day with the Red Army.

Robin van Persie looks set to start in attack alongside Wayne Rooney, having been given an extended break following the Netherlands’ World Cup exploits.

United, however, will not be able to hand a debut to new acquisition Marcos Rojo, with the player not granted a work permit in time.

Despite the anticipated return of RVP, van Gaal has a number of injury headaches - with Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini, plus summer signings Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, among the absentees.

England forward Danny Welbeck also remains a major doubt with a knee problem amid speculation surrounding his future at the club.

Tom Cleverley could start alongside vice-captain Darren Fletcher in central midfield, with Antoinio Valencia and Ashley Young in line to be utilised as wing-backs in an attack-minded 3-5-2 formation.

Jonny Evans is tipped to add experience to United's backline, with young defender Tyler Blackett unlikely to feature from the start this time around.