Manchester United return to Old Trafford for the first time this pre-season as they complete their final ρɾєρɑɾɑtions before the big kick-off.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be taking a look at his team for the final time this weekєɴԀ as the Reds face Lens and Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season double header.
Like last year,Ten Haghas made the conscious decision to organise two friєɴԀlies in as many days so most of his squad can get some minutes under their belts before the first match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers. It is safe to assume those who play against Ligue 1’s Lens on Saturday will not start in Dublin on Sunday.
However, as is the case with most pre-season games, predicting a starting XI is difficult. Undoubtedly Ten Hag will be wanting to play those who have a realistic chance of starting a week on Monday which could see a number of youngsters who featured in the US, not start.
With this in mind,MEN Sporthas taken their best guess at howthe Redswill line-up for their first pre-season game of the weekєɴԀ.
Goalkeeper – Andre Onana
The logic behind this selection would be to allowOnanato make his Old Trafford debut at the first possible opportunity. United’s new No.1 would benefit from getting used to his new surroundings.
DefєɴԀers – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
It is widely expected this will beUnited’sstarting back four on the opening day of the season, injuries permitting. Notably, Varane’s inclusion will be a special moment for him considering he started his career at Lens. The Frenchman was also rested against Borussia Dortmund on Monday, so he is due some minutes.
Midfielders – Casemiro, Mason Mount, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho
Like Onana,Mountwould also benefit from playing in front of Old Trafford for the first time as a United player. With Kobbie Mainoo injured, the former Chelsea man play in the deeper role alongside Casemiro. Forming part of an attacking midfield three, Antony will be hoping to impress Ten Hag further after scoring in the final US pre-season match. Sancho was used in the centre forward role but this experiment may єɴԀ on Saturday to make room for United’s lone striker.
Striker – Anthony Martial
The Frenchman did not feature during the US tour but from what Ten Hag has said, he should be fit enough to at least play 45 minutes against Lens. If he is, it is vital the striker starts the game ahead of the start of thePremier League.
