Manchester United will be looking to get their season back on track when they face Southampton in the Premier League next weekend.
It has been a tough start to the campaign for Erik ten Hag’s side, but he could be handed a timely boost after the international break with the return of both Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund from injury.
Manuel Ugarte will also be in contention to make his debut having built match fitness with Uruguay, though he has yet to play any club football this season and will have only trained with his new teammates on a couple of occasions.
It could mean Ten Hag sticks with Casemiro in midfield despite his horror show against Liverpool last time out, in what would be a shock selection to many supporters.
Here is how we think United will line up with a return to a 4-2-2-2 formation on the cards:
1. GK – Andre Onana
He didn’t have the best of times against Liverpool but Onana will keep his place in goal. | Getty Images
2. CB – Matthijs de Ligt
The Dutch defender was one slight positive from the Liverpool loss and deserves to start in defence again. | Getty Images
3. CB – Lisandro Martinez
Ten Hag needs to settle upon a centre-back pairing so Martinez is an obvious choice to start. | Manchester United via Getty Images
4. RB – Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui has enjoyed a decent start to life at Old Trafford and should be given another chance.
5. LB – Diogo Dalot
It is too much of a risk to throw Luke Shaw straight back into action, so Dalot starts this one. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CDM – Casemiro
Casemiro’s confidence might be at an all-time low but it would still be a surprise if Manuel Ugarte was thrown in from the start
7. CDM – Kobbie Mainoo
He is another player who has to improved but Mainoo’s recent struggles are probably down to the fact he needs a rest.
8. CAM – Amad Diallo
Amad has impressed in every performance so far this season and deserves a start, even if it is as an attacking midfielder
9. CAM – Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes is still the catalyst of this United side and will be determined to put things right on the pitch.
10. ST – Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund is still the only senior natural striker in the squad and should start up front if he is fit enough to do so.
11. ST – Marcus Rashford
Rashford was probably United’s best attacker against Liverpool and it would be fascinating to see him up front as part of a two-pronged attack.
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