Manchester United predicted XI vs Sheffield United as Erik ten Hag makes risky decision

Manchester United face Sheffield United on Saturday as the Premier League restarts following the latest international break.

The time-off came at a good time for Erik ten Hag, who has been able to get several players back from injury and others closer to a return.

Certain United stars were also able to have positive performances with their countries that they can hopefully bring back to the club. Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford both scored whilst away with Denmark and England respectively.

Bruno Fernandes was also impressive as he picked up another goal and two assists to continue his impressive EURO 2024 qualification record.

The defensive side will be boosted by the return of Sergio Reguilon, who has missed the last four games after signing on loan last month, and Raphael Varane.

Varane picked up a knock which kept him out of the 2-1 victory against Brentford before the international break but is back fit and is set to start. Reguilon will also come back to be stationed on the left side of defence.

They will be joined by Diogo Dalot, who has started nine games so far this term, and Harry Maguire. The English defender has looked stronger than his competitor Victor Lindelof in recent games.

Behind them will, of course, be Andre Onana. The shot-stopper has had difficulties so far during his time at Old Trafford but Ten Hag is eager to stick with him in the hope that performances turn around.

Moving into midfield and it’s a predictable set-up after Casemiro was confirmed unavailable for the fixture after picking up a small injury problem with Brazil.

Sofyan Amrabat will be at the base of the engine room, with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes likely to be ahead of him. Scott McTominay’s excellent cameo still is not enough to earn him a start and whilst Kobbie Mainoo was an outside shout to appear after returning from injury, the manager has instead suggested that he could be awarded minutes next week.

This setup will be interesting but also slightly risky. Mount and Bruno have not played alongside each other in the midfield much recently and there are perceived problems amongst the fanbase about their ability to be in there together, particularly when looking at the team out-of-possession.

Finally, the frontline will likely cause debate amid Rashford’s mixed form so far this season. Many would suggest that Alejandro Garnacho should come into the side for the 25-year-old but instead, Ten Hag could look to provide Rashford with the chance to gain more confidence against a poor Sheffield United side.

On the other side, Antony is likely to start after appearing from the bench in the last two games. Up front, Hojlund will certainly start and will be hoping to finally open his Premier League account.

Full Manchester United predicted XI:

Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon; Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes; Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford