Manchester United begin their new Premier League campaign against Fulham tonight with two new signings hoping to make their debuts.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui completed their moves from Bayern Munich this week with Erik ten Hag bolstering his squad with two more of his former Ajax players.
Both players trained with their new teammates this week and are eligible to make their debuts at Old Trafford on Friday night with Erik ten Hag confirming they will be in the squad.
With Leny Yoro sidelined until at least November, there is space for de Ligt to immediately come into the side and forge a partnership alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of defence.
Harry Maguire started alongside Jonny Evans in Saturday’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City and the England international will hope to retain in his place in the side.
United have a bigger problem at left back with Luke Shaw once again unavailable.
Shaw has not played for his club since February but did return to action for England at Euro 2024.
Shaw however is struggling with a calf injury that will rule him out until after the first international break of the season. That timeline will see him miss the first three league games of the season – including the showdown with Liverpool.
Ten Hag suggested at a press conference on Thursday that Mazraoui, while a right-back by trade, could be used at left-back with Diogo Dalot also capable of switching flanks. Martinez could also continue in that role.
‘We can sort problems on the left side with, for instance, Licha Martinez, with Diogo Dalot, he is capable of playing there,’ ten Hag said.
‘With Mazraoui, we have an additional one who can fill in that position as long as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are not available.’
Rasmus Hojlund remains unavailable after his hamstring injury suffered in pre-season with Bruno Fernandes starting as United’s most advanced option in attack against City.
Marcus Rashford spurned to big opportunities that day with but will hope to keep his place in the side with a full pre-season under his belt.
Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to score that afternoon with Amad Diallo arguably his side’s best player before being replaced on the hour.
Joshua Zirkzee meanwhile will also hope to make his debut after he was an unused substitute against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Predicted Man Utd starting XI vs Fulham
Onana, Dalot, Maguire, De Ligt, Martinez, Casemiro, Mainoo, Garnacho, Mount, Rashford, Fernandes
Where to watch Man Utd vs Fulham? Kick-off time and TV channel
Manchester United vs Fulham kicks off on Friday 16 August at 8pm.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
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