The Dugout Discussion – Sunday

Gameweek 4 continues with one of those classic encounters that, on paper, looks a one-sided affair that will inevitably result in big attacking returns. QPR roll up to Old Trafford to take on a United side buoyed by the arrival of Radamel Falcao – the Columbian hit-man adding to their already bristling arsenal of strikers.

Up until now, however, that talent has mis-fired: Wayne Rooney has just one strike to his name, while Robin van Persie is still waiting to get his season running. It remains to be see if Falcao’s arrival can spark their season and rejuvenate a lacklustre United.

QPR will have other ideas, although time will tell if they have ambitions beyond parking a shiny Shepherd Bush double decker across their penalty area.

Falcao’s impact is on ice: he starts on the United bench, as Rooney and Van Persie take up the striking roles, with Juan Mata presumably deployed behind the front pairing. Lous van Gaal does give a debut to Marcos Rojo, however – he comes in for the injured Phil Jones. Daley Blind also makes his bow, presumably on the left in place of Ashley Young. Ander Herrera returns to the engine room alongside Angel Di Maria having missed the Burnley stalemate. Elsewhere, Rafael also starts a first league outing, taking the place of Antonio Valencia at right-back.

As for Rangers, Harry Redknapp gives a debut to Sandro in midfield and also turns to the Brazilian’s fellow deadline day signing, Niko Kranjcar. Joey Barton and Jordan Mutch are both absent from the matchday squad through injury.