Zirkzee debut, Maguire Starts”, Wa¥ch Man united vs Man city|Community shield| let’s go boys we can win this

Manchester United will face their fierce rivals, Manchester City, in the highly anticipated Community Shield clash at Wembley Stadium today. This match marks the first significant encounter of the season for both clubs, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense showdown.

United’s pre-season performance has been somewhat inconsistent, securing only two victories out of five friendly matches. This uneven form has been compounded by a string of injuries affecting key players in the squad, presenting challenges for manager Erik ten Hag as he prepares for this crucial fixture.

Among the injured, Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Additionally, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw are doubtful for the derby, potentially leaving gaps in United’s defense. Tyrell Malacia, who recently underwent knee surgery, remains a long-term absentee, further depleting the defensive options.

However, United has received a glimmer of good news with Harry Maguire’s return to fitness following a minor knock. The experienced defender is likely to start alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defense, providing much-needed stability at the back. Manager Erik ten Hag may look to freshen up the squad, possibly making up to six changes from the lineup that triumphed over City in the FA Cup final in May.

The formation that ten Hag is likely to employ is a 4-2-3-1, which has served United well in the past. Here’s a predicted lineup:

**Goalkeeper:** Andre Onana, who firmly established himself as United’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, is expected to start between the posts. Onana missed only one game last season due to international commitments, and his outstanding performance in the FA Cup final against City, where he made several crucial saves, suggests he is ready to replicate that form in this match.

**Defense:** With Wan-Bissaka out, Diogo Dalot is likely to fill the right-back position. In central defense, Maguire and Martinez will probably form the defensive partnership, with Jonny Evans as a potential substitute in the latter stages of the match. On the left, with Shaw absent from the squad, 17-year-old Harry Amass is set to make his first-team debut. Amass impressed during the pre-season tour in the United States, but this match will undoubtedly pose a much sterner challenge.

**Midfield:** Casemiro is expected to anchor the midfield in the number six role, despite a below-par showing against Liverpool last week. The Brazilian midfielder has had a full pre-season to find his form, and his experience will be crucial in dictating play from deep. Kobbie Mainoo, who frequently partnered with Casemiro in midfield towards the end of last season, has just returned to training and might make an appearance off the bench. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, who had a strong pre-season showing in the United States, is anticipated to start in the number eight role, providing creativity and drive from midfield.Attack:** Bruno Fernandes is set to captain the side from his preferred number 10 position. Fernandes is the creative heartbeat of the team, and his influential performance in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over City will be something he looks to replicate. On the wings, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford are likely to start, with Rashford on the left and Diallo on the right. Although Alejandro Garnacho joined the pre-season late due to his involvement in the Copa America, he is expected to be more prominently featured in United’s league opener against Fulham.

**Forward:** Jadon Sancho is predicted to lead the line for United, a role that manager ten Hag seems to favor for him at this moment. While Joshua Zirkzee has recently joined the club, he may need more time to adapt, and ten Hag’s recent comments suggest that Sancho is currently seen as the more suitable option to spearhead the attack.

In summary, Manchester United, despite the injury setbacks, are gearing up for a tough contest against Manchester City. With a blend of experience and youth, Erik ten Hag will hope that his chosen lineup can rise to the occasion and secure the Community Shield, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.The upcoming Community Shield clash between Manchester United and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium is set to be a thrilling encounter, marking the first significant test of the season for both teams. United’s pre-season has been a mixed bag, with only two wins out of five matches, and they are dealing with a series of injuries to key players, posing challenges for Erik ten Hag as he prepares for this crucial match.

**Key Injuries and Squad Updates:**
– **Leny Yoro** and **Rasmus Hojlund** are expected to be out for an extended period.
– **Victor Lindelof**, **Aaron Wan-Bissaka**, and **Luke Shaw** are doubtful, potentially weakening United’s defense.
– **Tyrell Malacia** remains a long-term absentee following knee surgery.
– **Harry Maguire** has returned to fitness and is likely to start, providing some much-needed stability in defense alongside **Lisandro Martinez**.

**Predicted Lineup:**

– **Formation:** 4-2-3-1
– **Goalkeeper:** **Andre Onana** is expected to start, having established himself as United’s first-choice goalkeeper. His form will be crucial, especially after his performance in the FA Cup final against City last season.

– **Defense:** With Wan-Bissaka likely out, **Diogo Dalot** will likely slot in at right-back. **Maguire** and **Martinez** are expected to form the central defensive partnership. On the left, 17-year-old **Harry Amass** could make his first-team debut in the absence of Shaw, a big test for the young player.

– **Midfield:** **Casemiro** is set to anchor the midfield, with **Mason Mount** likely starting in a more advanced role, providing creativity and drive. **Kobbie Mainoo**, returning from injury, may feature off the bench.

– **Attack:** **Bruno Fernandes** will captain the side from the number 10 position, crucial in linking play and creating chances. **Amad Diallo** and **Marcus Rashford** are expected to start on the wings, with **Jadon Sancho** leading the line as the striker. **Joshua Zirkzee**, a recent signing, might need more time to adapt but could be an option later in the game.

Despite the injury challenges, United will be looking to start their season on a positive note by securing the Community Shield against their fierce rivals. Erik ten Hag’s mix of experience and youth could be pivotal in overcoming City and setting the tone for the season ahead.