6 changes from FA Cup final | Expected Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Man City for Community Shield
Manchester United take on arch-rivals Manchester City for the Community Shield at the Wembley Stadium today.
The Red Devils had a mixed pre-season campaign with just two wins from five friendlies. The club were also hampered by injuries to a number of first-team stars.
Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund are out for some period of time while Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are likely to miss the Manchester derby.
Tyrell Malacia continues to remain a long-term absentee after a knee surgery.
United have received a boost with Harry Maguire’s availability after a minor knock and he could line up alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Manager Erik ten Hag could make six changes from the 2-1 FA Cup win over City in May.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Andre Onana was United’s undisputed starter in goal last season and was absent for just one game due to international duty. He had a superb FA Cup final against the Cityzens with multiple saves and needs to replicate the performance.
In the backline, Diogo Dalot looks primed to start at right-back with Wan-Bissaka sidelined. Maguire will partner Lisandro Martinez in central defence. Jonny Evans could make an appearance off the bench during the second half.
Harry Amass is expected to make his first-team debut at left-back with Shaw apparently absent from the travelling squad. The 17-year-old was hugely impressive during the pre-season tour of the United States, but will face a sterner test.
Casemiro should be a nailed-on starter from the number six role despite his poor performance against Liverpool last week. The Brazilian has struggled for consistency, but should start on the back of a full pre-season under his belt.
Kobbie Mainoo was Casemiro’s regular midfield partner in the back end of last season, but the wonderkid could feature off the bench, having returned to training this week. Mason Mount, who had a good tour of the United States, is likely to start in the number eight position.
Further forward, we expect Bruno Fernandes to captain the side from the number 10 role. The Portuguese star is the main orchestrator in attack for the Red Devils and was brilliant during the 2-1 FA Cup final triumph at Wembley.
Based on pre-season minutes, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford should be assured starters on the right and left wing respectively. Alejandro Garnacho arrived late for pre-season after his Copa America duty and is more likely to start versus Fulham in the league opener.
Up front, Jadon Sancho should get the nod ahead of Joshua Zirkzee based on the manager’s comments. Zirkzee only recently joined the club and will require time to adapt. Ten Hag has clearly hinted that he sees Sancho as a potential option to lead the line for United.
How Man Utd could line up vs Man City
