Manchester United have the opportunity to build some real momentum with a victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
A win last time out against Brentford has put Manchester United in a position to make it two wins in a row, for just the second time this season.
It offers Erik ten Hag and his players the chance to move past early season woes and build some form ahead of next weekend’s Manchester Derby.
Several Old Trafford stars will be confident ahead of the game, after successful international outings.
This includes a re-energised Marcus Rashford who scored a brilliant goal but needs to improve having been among United’s most disappointing players.
While on paper Sheffield United is an easy win, there are some key decisions Ten Hag needs to get right in order to guarantee the win.
Who starts at centre-back
Manchester United have a real predicament at centre-back with poor performances and injuries making it a troubled position.
Raphael Varane is set to be fit to play against Sheffield and if he is, he has to start.
This leaves a toss-up between Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof for the second centre-back slot.
Maguire was described as ‘outstanding’ by Gareth Southgate following his display against Italy.
Therefore, it would make sense that he starts over Lindelof who could also be carrying a knock.
Who starts on the right-wing
Manchester United’s right flank has struggled this season, with various players utilised there in the absence of Antony and Jadon Sancho.
Bruno Fernandes and Facundo Pellistri were the two who featured most prominently in that position.
With Antony back, Ten Hag has a decision to make, one which is key for United.
Bruno should be moved back to the middle, which leaves Antony and his Uruguayan peer. Pellistri is coming off the back of a solid display vs Brazil is a better option right now but expect Antony to get the nod.
How to set the midfield up without Casemiro
It has been confirmed that Casemiro will miss the game on Saturday.
This leaves Ten Hag without one of his most trusted players in midfield but ultimately is probably beneficial to the team.
Casemiro has struggled this season, so Sofyan Amrabat in defensive midfield should spark improvements. Amrabat was so good against Brentford so we expect this to continue here.
Next to him, Mason Mount should start ahead of Christian Eriksen without a doubt. But it will be interesting to see if Scott McTominay gets the nod after his heroics two weeks ago.
Mount has begun performing well for United, and with a player like Amrabat next to him, we expect he will thrive.
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