4-2-3-1: Man Utd’s strongest possible starting XI vs Arsenal as Ten Hag makes Jadon Sancho decision
The pre-season preparations are truly underway and Manchester United are set to take on English rivals Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday 28 July 2024 at 1 am BST. Erik ten Hag’s side are slowly building up to speed ahead of the new season.
Man Utd have already played two friendlies so far. The first game against Rosenborg ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for the Red Devils. However, the team got off the mark for this season with a 2-0 win against Rangers, with Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill scoring.
It is now that the serious business begins though, with the next three friendlies being scheduled against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool. These will give the Dutch coach an idea about where his team can improve and what is working well for them.
Against Arsenal, Erik ten Hag is expected to start in his patented 4-2-3-1 system. Andre Onana, the first-choice goalkeeper is expected to start in goal. In front of him will be a back four consisting of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, new signing Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans and youngster Harry Amass.
The holding midfield duo is likely to be Casemiro (who will be hoping to up his game) and the returning Scott McTominay. In front of them, Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo are likely to take up the left and right wing, with Mason Mount continuing as the number 10. Rasmus Hojlund might get his first start of the season as the #9.
Hojlund, McTominay and Christian Eriksen are returning for Erik ten Hag against Arsenal after their vacation. Marcus Rashford could make a case to start instead of Sancho on the left. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is still on post-Euros holiday and will not feature.
Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri and Luke Shaw are all still on vacation and will link up with the squad post the US trip, hoping to make it in time for the Community Shield final.
Beating Arsenal, albeit in a pre-season friendly will give Man Utd a confidence boost that they need ahead of the new season. With first-team player slowly yet surely returning, Ten Hag will also start getting an idea of his preferred XI. Let’s hope the Dutch coach get one over Mikel Arteta tonight.
Here is how Man Utd could line up vs Arsenal at SoFi Stadium:
