Manchester United’s starting XI vs Man City: Three decisions for Erik ten Hag

Manchester United will face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on 10 August, and Erik ten Hag has several decisions to make.

The Reds are closing in on the end of their pre-season tour, with one game remaining against rivals Liverpool before they return to England.

After winning the FA Cup last term, Erik ten Hag’s side will play against Premier League winners Man City in the Community Shield in what is usually used as an additional pre-season game by most teams.

However, several players also return from their holidays later than others due to involvement in summer tournaments, so Ten Hag has some decisions to make.

Harry Amass or Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw returned to fitness midway through Euro 2024 to help England reach the final against Spain. He was unavailable for much of the second half of last season.

Harry Amass, meanwhile, has impressed during the pre-season and looks ready to contribute for Ten Hag’s side.

With neither Tyrell Malacia nor Shaw at their peak fitness levels, Ten Hag could make the decision to start the season with the young talent, and that would likely be shown by starting him at Wembley.

But the manager could also be looking at the game to build fitness for Shaw ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham the following week.

The front three

The front three has been impacted by Rasmus Højlund’s injury against Arsenal, which is going to keep him out of action for six weeks.

Despite seeing Hannibal Mejbri and Jadon Sancho both work as false-nines in pre-season, we are likely to see Joshua Zirkzee make his first start and appearance for the club against Pep Guardiola’s side.

With the 23-year-old striker liking to drop in and link play, Marcus Rashford should be the starter on the left, especially due to Alejandro Garnacho’s involvement with Copa America winners Argentina this summer.

Amad Diallo is then a shoo-in at right wing after his excellent displays during pre-season.

Toby Collyer or Mason Mount

Bruno Fernandes will almost certainly start this clash at Wembley, while the other two midfield positions are up for grabs.

Kobbie Mainoo may be phased back into action more slowly, while Casemiro will likely start the game, leaving one midfield positon open for the Reds.

Mason Mount and Toby Collyer have both been excellent during pre-season so far. Yet, Mount has often been playing advanced. Collyer has proven effective in deeper areas with his tenacity.

Perhaps Ten Hag could also choose both players to start, although it seems more likely that the experienced Mount will get the nod.

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