Manchester United start their new Eredivisie campaign against Fulham tonight with two new players hoping to make their debut.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui completed their transfer from Bayern Munich This week Erik ten Hag will strengthen his selection with two more former Ajax players.
Both players trained with their new team-mates this week and will make their debut at Old Trafford on Friday night. Erik ten Hag has confirmed that they are in the squad.
Now that Leny Yoro is sidelined until at least Novemberthere is room for De Ligt to come straight into the team and form a partnership with Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence.
Harry Maguire started alongside Jonny Evans in Saturday's Community Shield defeat to Manchester City and the England international will be hoping to retain his place in the team.
United have a bigger problem at left-back with Luke Shaw again unavailable.
Shaw has not played for his club since February but returned to action for England at Euro 2024.
However, Shaw is struggling with a calf injury that will keep him out until after the first international break of the season. In that timeline, he will miss the first three league games of the season, including the clash with Liverpool.
Ten Hag suggested at a press conference on Thursday that Mazraoui, though a right-back by trade, could be used at left-back with Diogo Dalot also capable of switching flanks. Martinez could also remain in that role.
'We can solve the problems on the left with Licha Martinez, for example, with Diogo Dalot, he can play there very well,' said Ten Hag.
'With Mazraoui we have someone extra who can fill that position as long as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are not available.'
Rasmus Hojlund is still unavailable due to a hamstring injury he sustained in pre-season, while Bruno Fernandes is United's most advanced option in attack against City.
Marcus Rashford missed big chances that day but will be hoping to retain his place in the team now that he has completed a full pre-season.
Alejandro Garnacho came on as a substitute that afternoon and scored together with Amad Diallo, perhaps the best player of his team. He was replaced after an hour.
Joshua Zirkzee is also hoping to make his debut after not being used as a substitute against Pep Guardiola's side.
Man Utd's Expected Starting XI Against Fulham
Onana, Dalot, Maguire, De Ligt, Martinez, Casemiro, Mainoo, Garnacho, Mount, Rashford, Fernandes
Where to watch Man Utd vs Fulham? Kick-off time and TV channel
Manchester United v Fulham kicks off on Friday 16 August at 8pm.
Live coverage is available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
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