Darron Gibson has been earmarked for a starting berth on Sunday. Here the 21 year-old is appraised by assistant boss Mike Phelan and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen...

The story so far
MP: Gibbo has been with us a while and floated in and out of the squad. But this season he’s made an adjustment in mental and physical terms and seems at home in the senior group.
RM: I think he gained a lot from going out on loan. It allowed him to appreciate the quality and purpose of the training sessions here. He’s made a real transformation and now knows what’s needed to succeed.

Distinguishing features
MP: He trains well and is passionate about playing. We all know Darron is a central midfielder, but he’s had to play on the right in a few games this season and has never let us down.
RM: He has similar attributes to Michael Carrick - he’s a good passer, both simple and penetrative - and makes good runs into the box. He’s a big, strong lad.

The future
MP: His first goal [against Southampton] will have done him the world of good. All the hard work you’ve put in and all your dreams and aspirations come together in that one instant. Once you’ve done it, you want to do it again and you can see that desire in Darron.
RM: He’s improving all the time. He knows what a fantastic platform he has playing alongside so many great players. And if we pick up some injuries in midfield, it’s good to know we’ve got someone like him who can do a good job.