Manchester United expected XI vs Rosenborg, 19-year-old debut likely

Erik ten Hag is expected to hand an unofficial debut to one of Manchester United’s academy stars as the squad face Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly on Monday afternoon.

Manchester United will return to action on Monday afternoon as the side take on Rosenborg in Norway as the first of five pre-season fixtures.

Erik ten Hag‘s men are also lined up to face Rangers, Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool before facing off against Manchester City in the Community Shield to open the 2024/25 season.

Read More: Manchester United team news as seven players unavailable for Erik ten Hag vs Rosenborg

Although André Onana is United’s first-choice goalkeeper, he is one of seven players who did not travel with the current pre-season squad due to an individual fitness programme, and therefore, it is likely that Radek Vitek will take his spot in goal.

In front of him will likely be Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back, with Jonny Evans and Will Fish as central defenders. At left back, fans will be able to watch exciting academy talent Harry Amass.

In midfield, three more familiar faces are expected to line up. Following their respective breaks from football, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Hannibal are the midfield trio that Ten Hag will want to start the tie. Mount, who spent much of last season injured, will be the most advanced player.

In attack, Ten Hag is expected to hand an unofficial debut to young electric winger Ethan Ennis.

Ennis signed from Liverpool in the summer of 2021, and the 19-year-old impressed as part of the club’s academy teams. However, injury problems have stopped much of his progression despite being a highly-rated young star. With a lack of forward options available, Ennis will likely be given his first minutes in the senior team.

Marcus Rashford is expected to start on the left wing following a much-needed rest. He was left out of England’s 2024 European Championships and will be fit and ready come the start of the season.

In attack, Ethan Wheatley will be given a chance to show fans why he is so highly rated within the academy. Wheatley made his official debut during a win against Sheffield United at Old Trafford towards the end of last season, showing Ten Hag’s willingness to trust him.

Although this is the XI that UtdDistrict expects to start, Ten Hag will likely make many changes at half-time, with the whole XI potentially being rotated for the second 45 minutes.

Man United expected XI

Vitek, Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Fish, Amass, Casemiro, Hannibal, Mount, Ennis, Wheatley, Rashford.

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