Manchester United’s final pre-season match will take place on Saturday against Everton at Old Trafford.
Sadly it appears Jadon Sancho will not be able to feature, as hoped. He has not yet had sufficient training time with his new teammates and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told ESPN he will likely only be able to put them on the bench against Leeds in a week’s time.
But rather than dwell on that, let us focus on the players who will be available – and there are numerous stars who will be able to make their first starts of pre-season.
Most of United’s players are back for pre-season and we are expecting seven to be making their first starts since returning.
There could be more, but there are some who have just just a few days training and are more likely to feature from the bench.
Who starts against Everton?
David de Gea is likely to start the season against Leeds and he will replace Tom Heaton in goal for this fixture from the start. It is an important chance for him to solidify his claim, with Dean Henderson out.
United have several returning faces in defence, upgrading the back four.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will resume their partnership in defence, replacing Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi.
Luke Shaw will return at left-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right.
There is now plenty of competition for places in midfield. Donny van de Beek was in line to start against Preston and he should get his shot against Everton.
Alongside him will be Bruno Fernandes making his first start, along with Scott McTominay, who has been back training longer than other players.
United’s front three will have a temporary feel. Anthony Elanga missed the training camp in Scotland with a minor knock and his best shot to be involved is from the bench.
This means Dan James will start on the left, with Mason Greenwood up front again, and Jesse Lingard could be stationed out on the right as a way to fit him in, with United’s options there currently reduced.
From the bench
United have plenty of options on the bench and Solskjaer will use them. Expect Tom Heaton to get some game time as the match goes on.
Diogo Dalot was in line to start against Preston and while that may change here with the season nearing, he could get 45 minutes, as could Brandon Williams.
Tuanzebe and or Mengi could also get game time, with Solskjaer unlikely to want to push Maguire and Lindelof the full 90. Or alternatively there could be some minutes given to a fit-again Phil Jones.
United’s midfield is just as interesting. Paul Pogba and Fred are ready to feature after returning to training. Expect both to play some role, whether it is 45 minutes, 40 minutes or just 15. James Garner is also waiting for his opportunity and is likely to play part of the game, possibly a full half.
Up front, expect Anthony Martial to get a run out at some stage to replace Mason Greenwood, after he returned to training this week. Elanga may get some minutes from the bench too if he is fit.
Sancho and Varane may not be ready, neither is Edinson Cavani, and Marcus Rashford, but it does feel like United are making progress. This will be a far stronger side than the one United put out against Brentford.
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