Manchester United begin pre-season in just over a week’s time as the clock begins to tick down on the new Premier League campaign.
United’s opening fixture is on August 14 at Old Trafford against Wolves.
This leaves a few weeks for Erik ten Hag to add new signings and build his squad, with a fee already agreed for Mason Mount, per The Athletic.
And while it’s impossible to forecast fitness, form, and injury issues which may crop up in pre-season, we can have a go at predicting how the team could look for the first game.
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Predicted Manchester United team for 2023/24
There is a little lack of clarity right now over who will start in goal for Manchester United next season. David de Gea‘s contract remains unsigned.
Manchester United are currently negotiating with Inter Milan over a deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana, and right now, it looks like he could be the club’s number one to start the season. This would really give Erik ten Hag’s second season at the club a new look.
The defence will have a familiar look, and a welcome one, with Lisandro Martinez returning to action. He will be expected to renew his partnership alongside fellow World Cup winner Raphael Varane.
Competition will be open at right-back, however, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could have the edge after recently moving ahead of Diogo Dalot.
Luke Shaw has also been a quality centre-back option when required but he will re-take his position at left-back to begin the season.
An area where we expect to see a new signing is in midfield, where new signing Mason Mount will feature as part of a trio, with Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes.
This makes Christian Eriksen the odd man out, one who provides quality depth from the bench. Mount adds youth and work rate, and will be a key player under Ten Hag.
The big uncertainty is up front. Nobody wants to see Anthony Martial lead the line. We expect a new signing to come in, and the most likely name is Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. The Athletic report United have held early talks over his signing, and there are a few weeks yet before the season kicks off.
On the flanks Marcus Rashford and Antony will likely start, however, pre-season will provide an opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and even Amad to show what they are capable of and stake a claim,
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