Expected 21-man Manchester United squad to face Man City (Community Shield)

Manchester United are predicted to have a strong squad as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Community Sheild at Wembley Stadium.

After finishing their pre-season tour, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad has returned to the United Kingdom to finalize preparations for the 2024/25 season.

The 2024 European Championships and Copa America meant that key players like Lisandro Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo missed pre-season. However, they have now joined the team at Carrington after their extended holidays.

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Ahead of the new campaign, which begins with a match against Fulham at Old Trafford on the Premier League’s opening day, United will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday, August 10.

Despite contrasting seasons in the Premier League, United triumphed in the FA Cup, defeating their local rivals 2-1 in a memorable victory. The two sides are set to face again in the same location at Wembley Stadium.

The club will issue a 21-man squad for the tie and will likely bring a 22nd player to the stadium in case of a last-minute emergency, although this is often a third-choice goalkeeper, which in this case, would be Tom Heaton.

United have several injury concerns, with Rasmus Højlund and Leny Yoro unavailable for the tie. Harry Maguire was rested against Liverpool as a precaution, and Lindelöf came off due to another “precaution.” This suggests that his injury was sustained during the tie, making him the bigger doubt.

However, many of United’s most important players are set to return to the squad, with Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martínez, Diogo Dalot and others all having a full week of training under their belts. New signing Joshua Zirkzee has also been at Carrington for over a week working on his fitness.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Harry Amass is being considered for a starting role on Saturday afternoon, making his inclusion at least in the squad very likely considering Shaw’s probable lack of match sharpness since his holiday.

Below, we have estimated the expected 21 squad members to travel to London on Friday afternoon, not including who may travel as a backup option.

Expected Man United travelling squad

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Harry Amass.
Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay.
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Jadon Sancho, Antony.

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