Manchester United expected XI vs Fulham as De Ligt, Mazraoui, Garnacho decisions made

Erik ten Hag is expected to start Matthijs de Ligt as Manchester United face Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Friday evening.

Following Manchester United‘s narrow penalty loss against Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend, Erik ten Hag is preparing his side for Premier League action.

United host Fulham at Old Trafford as part of the first fixture of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, and fans feel optimistic about the club and its future.

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Following the signings of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui, many faithful followers are hoping to see three of these players make their debuts—although Yoro will be out for a number of months following a foot operation.

André Onana has been Ten Hag’s trusted goalkeeper for the last year, and he is expected to return to the Old Trafford net once again as the Cameroon international’s second season at the club dawns.

On Thursday afternoon, Ten Hag confirmed that both De Ligt and Mazraoui would be in the club’s squad to face Fulham, but admitted that the new signings needed time to adapt and fit in with their new squad.

If this is taken as a hint that neither player will start, the back line could be the same one that started against City.

Ten Hag has been adamant that Lisandro Martínez can provide cover at left-back, and with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both out,

In midfield, Casemiro quietly impressed fans with his performance against Manchester City and is expected to continue despite the club looking to sign a new player in his position in the coming weeks.

Kobbie Mainoo, despite not playing a part in in pre-season, started against City and played well for 60 minutes before being replaced by Toby Collyer, and is expected to start at Old Trafford.

Against City, despite not playing with a recognised striker, Ten Hag fielded a front four with two advanced No. 10s and two wingers, and this formation is expected to stay.

Despite many wanting Zirkzee to start, Ten Hag has already confirmed that he will take his time with the 23-year-old Dutchman. It is likely that the new recruit will remain a substitute but may come off the bench during the second half.

With Mason Mount impressing in pre-season and Bruno Fernandes an ever-present in the XI, both are expected to continue the roles they played through the middle against Man City.

Alejandro Garnacho was the man who grabbed United’s goal at Wembley in his usual brilliant style, and some have been calling for the young winger to start.

Amad Diallo will almost certainly continue his place on the right wing following brilliant pre-season performances, meaning that Garnacho would only be able to play on the left wing.

However, with Rashford impressing last weekend despite missing two chances and Garnacho yet to play a significant amount of minutes following his return from holiday, Ten Hag will likely choose to keep the English winner on the left and use Garnacho as an impact substitute—a role the 20-year-old has proven he is fantastic at assuming when needed.

Man United expected XI

Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Martínez, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mount, Amad, Fernandes, Rashford.

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