Mason Mount and Andre Onana are set to make their competitive debuts for Manchester United in their Premier League opener against Wolves.
But Monday night’s fixture at Molineux – live on talkSPORT – will come too soon for fellow summer arrival Rasmus Hojlund.
4
The £72million signing from Atalanta joined the Red Devils earlier this month, with the club insisting he had a ‘small issue’.
However it is believed that his back injury is worse than first feared, which could see him ruled out for an extended period of time.
Commenting on the 20-year-old’s fitness in his pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag said: “He is not on the [same] levels our players are at in this moment.
“So now we have to train him. The prognosis is difficult to say. We are confident and we are positive.”
He also revealed that United will be without left-back Tyrell Malacia, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, goalkeeper Dean Henderson and winger Amad Diallo against Wolves.
Though in a boost for United, Anthony Martial is poised to be included in their matchday squad despite not playing a minute in pre-season due to his hamstring issue.
But with Ten Hag missing his main centre-forward, who will be tasked with leading the line, and what midfielder will make way for Mount?
talkSPORT.com takes a look at how United could start against Wolves.
4
Having reunited with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag, Onana will surely start between the sticks in the Midlands.
Fans have heaped praise on the Cameroonian over his pre-season displays, where he has looked comfortable playing out from the back.
Diogo Dalot will likely be preferred over Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back, with Luke Shaw to start on the opposite side of defence.
And despite Harry Maguire being available after West Ham had a £30m offer accepted, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are expected to be the preferred centre-back pairing.
Brazil international Casemiro could then be deployed in the lone defensive midfield role, with skipper Bruno Fernandes and Mount to play in the No.8 positions.
Mount’s selection will see Christian Eriksen forced to settle for a place on the bench after being a regular under Ten Hag last campaign.
With Hojlund out of action, Marcus Rashford could slot in up top as he looks to better his return of 30 goals from the 2022/23 term.
This would see Alejandro Garnacho feature in Rashford’s usual left wing position, with Antony to start over Jadon Sancho on the opposite flank.
4
talkSPORT football match centre
Keep up-to-date with all the latest Manchester United fixtures and results and live Premier League standings in our new match centre.
Source link: https://talksport.com/football/1532666/man-united-wolves-line-up-prediction/
