As Manchester United kicks off their Premier League campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford, all eyes are on Erik ten Hag’s lineup decisions. After their recent Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, United is looking to start the season strong, but key lineup choices loom.New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, both arriving from Bayern Munich, are available for selection. However, Ten Hag must decide if the defensive pair will make their Premier League debuts immediately. The injury list adds to the challenge, with Luke Shaw sidelined with a calf injury, Tyrell Malacia still unavailable, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka having moved to West Ham. This leaves United short of full-back options, potentially forcing Lisandro Martinez to step in at left-back again if Mazraoui isn’t started.
In attack, Alejandro Garnacho’s impressive performance off the bench in the Community Shield may earn him a spot in the starting lineup. If so, Marcus Rashford could be moved up front, with Garnacho taking the left wing and Amad Diallo on the right. This shift could see Mason Mount dropping to the bench, with Bruno Fernandes moving back into his favored No. 10 role.Rasmus Hojlund remains out due to a hamstring injury, and fellow summer signing Leny Yoro, who underwent foot surgery, is not expected back until October.
Predicted Man United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Martinez; Casemiro; Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
Injured: Hojlund, Yoro, Shaw, Malacia
Doubtful: Lindelof
Match Info: 8pm BST, Friday, August 16, 2024, Old Trafford.Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Fulham at Old Trafford promises to be an intriguing clash, especially given the lineup dilemmas Erik ten Hag faces. The recent signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich have bolstered the squad, but Ten Hag’s decision on whether to start them immediately will be crucial.
With injuries to key full-backs like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, and the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, the defense is stretched thin. If Mazraoui isn’t included in the starting XI, Lisandro Martinez might have to cover the left-back position again, which could compromise United’s central defensive strength.
In attack, Alejandro Garnacho’s promising display in the Community Shield might see him rewarded with a starting spot, potentially pushing Marcus Rashford into the central striker role. Amad Diallo could be deployed on the right wing, offering pace and creativity. This setup might mean a bench role for Mason Mount, allowing Bruno Fernandes to return to his preferred No. 10 position, orchestrating the play.
With Rasmus Hojlund still sidelined due to a hamstring issue and Leny Yoro out until October after foot surgery, United’s options are somewhat limited, especially up front.
**Predicted Manchester United XI:**
– **Goalkeeper:** Onana
– **Defense:** Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Martinez
– **Midfield:** Casemiro; Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho
– **Forward:** Rashford
**Injuries:** Hojlund, Yoro, Shaw, Malacia
**Doubtful:** Lindelof
This match is crucial for United to set the tone for their season, especially after the disappointment in the Community Shield. Kickoff is set for 8 pm BST on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Old Trafford.
