The Premier League is finally back and Manchester United are last out in this weekend’s curtain-raiser, with the Reds welcoming Wolves to Old Trafford for a game under the lights on Monday evening.
Erik ten Hag will be looking to kickstart his second campaign with a win, having dealt with two straight defeats this time last year. Although United recovered well from that, the Dutchman will be hoping to set the tone with a convincing win this season.
Ten Hag has been dealt with a number of injury blows in this summer’s pre-season but he will be able to field close to what he thinks his best side is, although new signing Rasmus Hojlund is not available as he continues to recover from an injury sustained with Atalanta.
Andre Onana will make his official debut for the club between the posts, with the backline almost picking itself. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is certain to play on the right, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw making up the rest of the defence.
Ahead of the defence, Casemiro will slot in next to Mason Mount. The former Chelsea midfielder has been a central figure in pre-season preparations.
Bruno Fernandes, who was recently made captain following the decision to remove Harry Maguire from the role, will lead from midfield and Ten Hag must decide between Antony and Jadon Sancho on the right-hand side.
In addition to Hojlund’s absence, it is unlikely that Anthony Martial will be available after missing pre-season. That means that Marcus Rashford is likely to play as the lone striker, leaving the left side open for Alejandro Garnacho to come in.
The young Argentine enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year and was one of the best players on the pitch in the recent friendly against RC Lens.
Predicted Manchester United line-up (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
