Manchester United start their Premier League campaign on Sunday when Arsenal visit Old Trafford in a mouth-watering fixture to round off the opening weekend. Ruben Amorim has a series of significant decisions to make against Mikel Arteta’s side, from his goalkeeper to his striker and multiple areas in between.
Express Sport runs through the likely United lineup against the Gunners, with both clubs vying to lay down a marker for the season ahead.
Man Utd predicted XI vs Arsenal (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper – Onana
Andre Onana did not play a single match during pre-season after suffering an early hamstring injury in training, but he is expected to be fit to face Arsenal.
The Cameroonian does not inspire confidence at full fitness, so his inclusion would be a risk. He is fortunate that his backup, Altay Bayindir, is not convincing either.
Defence – Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw
Amorim has a dilemma at the heart of his back three, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire battling for a starting berth. He could invest in the future by opting for the former.
Leny Yoro will be one of the first names on his teamsheet all season. He has bulked up over the summer and looks ready to strengthen his reputation among the world’s most exciting young defenders.
Luke Shaw is set to start the campaign as United’s first-choice left-centre-back, with Lisandro Martinez continuing his recovery from a knee ligament injury suffered in February.
Midfield – Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu
Diogo Dalot could start against Arsenal due to the fact that the visitors will expect to see more of the ball. However, pre-season has suggested that Amad is Amorim’s top candidate for the right-wing-back position.
Patrick Dorgu looks primed for a big season at left-wing-back, and the young Dane will be licking his lips at the thought of a 6ft 5in presence up front.
As United’s search for an athletic midfielder, Casemiro will likely start ahead of Manuel Ugarte alongside captain Bruno Fernandes. It is a blatant area of weakness.
Amorim has splashed his entire summer budget on overhauling his attack, and fans could see all three new arrivals on display against Arsenal.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha will almost certainly start in the two ‘No. 10’ positions behind the striker.
With Rasmus Hojlund out of Amorim’s plans and Joshua Zirkzee short on match fitness, Benjamin Sesko could get the nod for his Premier League debut.
