De Ligt decision made – Manchester United expected squad vs Fulham (Premier League)

Manchester United’s expected 21-man squad that Erik ten Hag may select to face Fulham in the Premier League on Friday evening.

Following a narrow loss to Manchester City on penalties in the 2024 Community Shield, Manchester United are now shifting their focus to the first competitive match of the 2024/25 season.

After finishing last season in eighth place, Erik ten Hag is determined to guide his squad to a top-four finish and secure a return to the Champions League.

Read More: “Again…” Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong have the same transfer wish

On Friday, United will kick off the new Premier League campaign by hosting Fulham at Old Trafford. The Dutch manager will have three of his new signings available for potential debuts in this opening fixture.

Matthijs de Ligt trained with their teammates for the first time on Tuesday morning after both former Bayern Munich players and are expected to be involved in the squad that travels to Old Trafford on Friday evening.

While it is unclear if either player will start, it is anticipated that they will both be given their debuts in a Red shirt, while the same fate may befall Joshua Zirkzee. The 23-year-old was an unused substitute against Man City but may make his first appearance for the club off the bench on Friday.

Ten Hag explained last week that he feels Zirkzee will need some time to acclimatise to his new teammates and style of football before he will be granted his first start.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has picked up a calf injury and will not be back until after the September internationals break. This leaves space for 18-year-old Harry Amass to be part of the match-day squad following his fantastic performances in pre-season.

Lisandro Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo will all be included and may start following their roles in the draw at Wembley Stadium, while Shaw’s potential return will leave no space in the squad for impressive youngster Harry Amass.

Victor Lindelöf missed the London trip due to injury after he was substituted against Liverpool at half-time in pre-season two weeks ago, and Ten Hag is expected to give an update on the Swedish captain’s fitness during his press conference later this week.

Below, we have estimated the expected 21 squad members to face Fulham 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, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martínez, 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.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.