The first leg of Manchester United’s much awaited clash with Barcelona takes place tonight at the Nou Camp.
United are searching for a first ever away win against Barcelona, who are in-form right now, sitting top of La Liga.
Preparations have not been straightforward for United, who are without Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer due to suspension.
Further injuries to Antony, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek have further reduced United’s options.
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Predicted Manchester United XI
The upshot from these injuries and suspensions is that Erik ten Hag’s starting XI becomes a little easier to pick, and predict. But it is not altogether straightforward.
We can say with certainty that David de Gea will start in goal and Raphael Varane will start at centre-back.
The Frenchman was rested at the weekend and knows Barcelona well from his time at Real Madrid, scoring at the Nou Camp 10 years ago.
Luke Shaw will also feature, it is just a matter of where. Speaking pre-match, Erik ten Hag accepted he had a dilemma, commenting: “We can use Luke as a full-back and as a centre-back. We saw in the weekend he did both, and both he did very well.
“But we have in the centre-half [position], other good options and they do also well. We can choose by game what we prefer.”
In this game, we can see Shaw partnering Varane at the back, just like he did in the Manchester derby. Lisandro Martinez is suspended, and neither Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof have started regularly lately.
This will place Tyrell Malacia at left-back, while the decision at right-back is a big dilemma for Ten Hag.
Diogo Dalot has started the last two games after an illness to a resurgent Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The latter might be the safer defensive option, but United have to be adventurous, and we foresee Dalot getting the start.
United’s central midfield options are quite straightforward. Casemiro will return to the side after a domestic supension and be partnered by international teammate Fred.
A three-man midfield will be completed by Bruno Fernandes, who will captain the side.
Wout Weghorst is likely to anchor United’s attack up front, with Marcus Rashford on the left, and Jadon Sancho could make just his second start of 2023.
Sancho scored at the Nou Camp on his previous visit with Dortmund. Another option may be to start teenager Alejandro Garnacho, but he will likely be utilised as an impact player from the bench.
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