Manchester United expected XI vs Man City as Erik ten Hag takes two big risks

Erik ten Hag is expected to take two risks as he selects his Manchester United XI to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.

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

Key players like Lisandro Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and Kobbie Mainoo, who were absent during pre-season due to their involvement in the 2024 European Championships and Copa America, have now rejoined the team at Carrington after their extended breaks.

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As United gear up for the new season, which kicks off with a home match against Fulham at Old Trafford, they are also preparing to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday, August 10.

The side will be slightly different to the XI that defeated City in the FA Cup final at the end of May, but André Onana will remain in goal.

Leny Yoro is out for a few months and Victor Lindelöf did not travel to London. Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Lisandro Martínez are United’s three centre-backs heading to Wembley, and Maguire will almost certainly play.

While Evans has had more minutes over pre-season, Martínez is one of Ten Hag’s most trusted lieutenants, meaning he may well start alongside the Englishman after a week of training.

It was revealed on Friday that Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka did not travel to London, meaning that Diogo Dalot will be shoved in at right-back despite not having a pre-season, while 17-year-old Harry Amass, who impressed in the USA, may cover at left-back.

Although starting Amass may be a risk, he has shown in the past few weeks that he has the determination and qualities to play first-team football despite his young age.

A second risk that Ten Hag is expected to take is not starting Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old has played a lot of football in 2024 and may well be rested to accommodate the in-form Mason Mount in midfield.

Alongside Mount, Casemiro is the most likely to play, and Bruno Fernandes, club captain and usual first name on the teamsheet, is expected to start.

Up front, although Joshua Zirkzee is in line to make his debut, this will most likely be from the bench as Jadon Sancho has performed well in the striker role during pre-season following Rasmus Højlund’s absence.

On either wing will likely be Marcus Rashford off the left and new fan-favourite Amad Diallo on the right.

Man United predicted XI

Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Amass, Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes, Amad, Sancho, Rashford.