Predicted Manchester United XI to face Nottingham Forest in Premier League clash

An injury-laden Manchester United will face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday in the Premier League.

Following an unimpressive pre-season, Manchester United have failed to turn the tide as they kicked off their Premier League campaign with one win and a loss against Spurs.

It’s just game week three, and a lot of glaring issues have been exposed in United’s team. With the lack of consistency in the defense, United losing the midfield battle, and United’s front three yet to find the back of the net, Erik ten Hag has struggled to get the best out of his team yet.

On top of that, constant injuries to first-team players have put Manchester United in the backseat just after the first two Premier League games of the season. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are the latest inductees to United’s list of players currently sidelined due to various injuries.

For the match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, Andre Onana will be the custodian for the Reds. The new signing has performed consistently so far and remains one of the few players who have shone this season.

Aaron Wan Bissaka will continue on the right flank of the defense. The former Crystal Palace man provided the valuable assist for United’s winning goal against Wolves. Raphael Varane will occupy the first slot in United’s defense. The Frenchman remains the only scorer for the team in the current season.

His defensive partner, Lisandro Martinez, has been a shadow of himself, thus drawing criticism. The fans wouldn’t be surprised if the Argentine was replaced by Victor Lindelof for tomorrow’s match. Diego Dalot is expected to replace Shaw on the left flank. The Portuguese is usually a right-back but has played in this position before.

Casemiro, despite his subpar performances so far, is the only defensive midfielder United have, so the veteran will keep his place in the starting 11. Scott McTominay can be a surprise pick over Eriksen in the midfield given the former’s lack of physical strength.

Forest have the tendency to bring in more in the midfield, and with the presence of Danilo and Mangala, United need physicality in the middle of the park. Bruno Fernandes will keep his place as United’s No. 10. The captain has been decent in creating chances and with his passing but his finishing was awful against Spurs.

Jadon Sancho could replace Garnacho in the starting 11 and start on the left wing. He had shown glimpses of what he could do in his cameos against Spurs and Wolves. Antony can keep his place in the team despite his terrible performance against Spurs. With the potential loan exit of Facundo Pellistri, the Brazilian remains the only right winger in the team.

Marcus Rashford will most probably remain United’s No. 9. The Englishman has failed terribly in that role, but with the injury of Rasmus Hojlund and Martial’s lethargic performance against Spurs, Rashford is expected to find the back of the net against Forest.

Full Manchester United predicted XI:

Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martínez, Dalot; Casemiro, McTominay, Fernandes; Antony, Sancho, Rashford.