Manchester United predicted XI vs Lyon as young forward expected to start

Manchester United face up against Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday afternoon for their second pre-season friendly of the summer.

Erik ten Hag will be looking to assess the young players across his squad in a game that will not involve any returning international players, who all first reappeared at Carrington on Saturday.

However, former Red Jonny Evans is on the plane after signing a short-term deal for the club. He has been training with the squad following the conclusion of his contract at Leicester City and will be available for games against Lyon and Wrexham.

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As in the first game against Leeds United, Ten Hag is expected to make a host of changes at half-time again in this match. However, he started with a stronger eleven in that encounter and the same is expected this time around.

This will mean there won’t be many changes from the side that started in Norway. The back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Alvaro Fernandez is expected to stay the same. Evans could make his United return in the second half.

However, the goalkeeper behind them will differ as Tom Heaton has not travelled with the squad. Instead three young shot-stoppers are included.

Matej Kovar is the most likely to start after impressing in the second half last week. Nathan Bishop and 17-year-old Elyh Harrison will be on the bench.

The midfield that worked well against Leeds in the opening period is expected to remain the same with Kobbie Mainoo at the base, whilst Mason Mount and Hannibal Mejbri sit in front of him. Donny van de Beek is included in the squad and will likely make a second-half appearance with the youngsters.

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In the front three, one change from the three that started in Norway is anticipated. Amad and Jadon Sancho will keep their place but we could see Joe Hugill introduced as the no.9 in the lineup after The Reds almost played with a false-nine last time out.

Full Manchester United predicted XI vs Lyon:

Kovar, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Fernandez, Mainoo, Mount, Hannibal, Amad, Hugill, Sancho