Manchester United face Fulham on the first day of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
It is now two weeks until Manchester United open the Premier League season at Old Trafford, on a Friday night game against Fulham.
Manchester United have played four of five pre-season games, and also have the Community Shield to look forward to.
We are beginning to get an indication of how the team might line-up for the opening game. Injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro are a real blow, with both players previously expected to start the 2024/25 kick-off.
A lot can still change between now and the opening fixture, but as it stands, here is how we currently expect Manchester United to line-up…
GK: Andre Onana
No debate here, Andre Onana will start for Manchester United, an ever-present in the Premier League in 2023/24
RB: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot is Manchester United’s first-choice right-back and we expect him to return and slot straight into the starting line-up. He could even start the Community Shield too.
There is a chance Aaron Wan-Bissaka will have left and been replaced by Noussair Mazraoui, it’s trending that way. But we would still expect Dalot to start.
CB: Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire is the beneficiary of Leny Yoro’s injury, as it stands. Manchester United may sign another centre-back, Matthijs de Ligt most likely, but he has not had a pre-season with Bayern, and Maguire is the more likely starter initially.
CB: Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez is an exception like Dalot, he will go straight into the Manchester United team. The Copa America winner is too important to sit out, and he will be raring to go after finishing last season strongly for club and country.
LB: Luke Shaw
Another returning international star, expect Luke Shaw to resume his place as a starter. Tyrell Malacia won’t be ready, and while Harry Amass is giving himself a real chance, a place on the bench is most likely.
CM: Casemiro
Casemiro has surprised everybody. He’s still here. He looked improved against Real Betis, and unless there is a big shift in the transfer market over the coming fortnight, the Brazilian is in line to start the first game of the season. He has started all four pre-season games so far.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Expect Casemiro’s partner to be Manchester United and England sensation Kobbie Mainoo. He’s the type of talent you just don’t leave on the bench.
It’s possible young Toby Collyer gets a shot in the Community Shield, but when the Premier League kicks off, Mainoo will be in the line-up.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes is a near certainty to start. Mason Mount has a chance, he has had his moments in pre-season, but it is still not quite clear where he fits into the starting XI.
RW: Amad Diallo
Manchester United’s pre-season star, Amad has made himself undroppable early on. He warrants a starting spot, and Erik ten Hag must rewards his displays with an opportunity in front of a packed Old Trafford.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has a full pre-season behind him and is showing progress. He should retain his starting place ahead of a returning Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho played 50 games last season and there is no need to rush him back as a starter immediately, especially when Rashford is rebuilding his confidence.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee
Rasmus Hojlund’s injury opens up a spot for new striker Joshua Zirkzee to become an immediate hero at Manchester United.
Zirkzee is back at Carrington already, and he is most likely to lead the line. There is an alternative, however.
Ten Hag could go with Jadon Sancho, as he did against Betis, and use Zirkzee from the bench. This is a close call.
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