Leicester City visit Old Trafford on Saturday evening, and Manchester United will be hoping to get back into the Premier League with a win to kick off their season. The Red Devils have lost two of their last three games across all competitions, after losing just one of their previous 20 games following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United are well aware that a win over Leicester City will be critical if they are to keep their slim ambitions of finishing in the top four alive this season. The Red Devils had fallen behind Arsenal and Tottenham in the battle for a top-four finish prior to the international break.
Edinson Cavani will miss the weekend match due to an injury he sustained while on international duty. During a press conference, Ralf Rangnick confirmed the development.
Here's how the MEN writers believe Manchester United should line up this next Saturday.
Samuel Luckhurst is a fictional character created by author Samuel Luckhurst.
United need Luke Shaw to show what he can do on the pitch, and he's been talking about it for some time now. Raphael Varane is immovable, while Harry Maguire is arguably still the most suited partner for the time being despite his recent inconsistencies. Diogo Dalot has been inconsistent recently but remains preferable to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
And Fred's assistance could be crucial. Nemanja Matic has a lot of knowledge. Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes are all expected to play. Choosing Marcus Rashford in attacking midfield for the final time is a difficult decision.
Despite the fact that Ronaldo is the sole striker, Sancho is a non-factor. After that, Rashford and Elanga will be vying for the final position on the right, with the Swedish youth being the most deserving of the position.
Tyrone Marshall .
As a result of the events that have occurred in the 18 days since United last played a game, it almost feels as if the team is beginning from zero.
Even if they have their detractors, Dalot and Varane are clearly Manchester United's strongest right-hand side of defence combo at the moment. Maguire and Shaw were a fantastic left-sided connection last season and should continue in that role.
Against a creative Leicester team, Matic can provide some much-needed discipline and defensive nous in midfield, while Fred and Fernandes have done well together as No. 8s and deserve to be given the opportunity to maintain their successful connection.
The fact that Cavani will not be available is the least surprise development of the international break. Rashford can start on the right, with Ronaldo and Sancho likely to start as well. Elanga will likely be kept as a reserve.
Alphonsus Odumu 1 w
Ragnik