Manchester United return to Premier League action against Southampton a week today.
Manchester United will seek to get their season back on track when they play Southampton in the Premier League next weekend.
Erik ten Hag’s team has had a difficult start to the season, but the return of Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund from injury may provide a timely lift after the international break.
Manuel Ugarte will also be in contention to make his debut after developing match fitness with Uruguay, despite the fact that he has yet to play club football this season and has only trained with his new colleagues on a few times.
It is possible that Ten Hag would keep Casemiro in midfield despite his poor performance against Liverpool last time out, which would come as a surprise to many fans.
Here is how we believe United will line up, with a return to a 4-2-2-2 shape on the cards:
1. GK: Andre Onana
Onana did not have the finest of performances against Liverpool, but he will preserve his place in goal. | Getty Images.
2. CB: Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender was the one bright spot in Liverpool’s loss, and he deserves to start in defence again. | Getty Images.
3. CB: Lisandro Martinez
Ten Hag needs to decide on a centre-back duo, therefore Martinez is the obvious pick to start. © Manchester United via Getty Images.
4. Noussair Mazraoui – RB Mazraoui has made a good start at Old Trafford and deserves more opportunities.
5. LB: Diogo Dalot
It is too risky to put Luke Shaw back in action right away, so Dalot takes the initiative. | AFP via Getty Images.
6. CDM: Casemiro
Casemiro’s confidence may be at an all-time low, but it would be surprising if Manuel Ugarte was put in right away.
7. CDM: Kobbie Mainoo.
He is another player that has to improve, but Mainoo’s current troubles are most likely due to his need for relaxation.
8. CAM: Amad Diallo
Amad has impressed in every performance so far this season and deserves to start, even as an offensive midfielder.
9. CAM – Bruno Fernandes Fernandes remains the driving force behind the United team and aims to improve their performance on the pitch.
10. ST: Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund remains the squad’s lone senior natural striker and, if healthy, should start up front.
11. ST: Marcus Rashford
Rashford was perhaps United’s best attacking player against Liverpool, and it would be interesting to see him up front as part of a two-pronged attack.
