Man United v Brighton: Predicted United XI for Ten Hag’s first game

Manchester United host Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday in the first game of Erik ten Hag’s tenure at the club. 

The Red Devils endured a poor season last year, finishing with their lowest ever Premier League points tally under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Ten Hag arrives having enjoyed huge success with former club Ajax, though, and expectations are high ahead of their season opener.

Here, we take a look at the XI that Ten Hag could select for the visit of the Seagulls.

Goalkeeper

David de Gea has been United’s first choice for the majority of the last decade, and is certain to be for the upcoming season after the departure of Dean Henderson.

Defenders

At the back, Diogo Dalot is expected to be picked ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who struggled for form last season and has reportedly been told he can leave the club.

In the middle, new boy Lisandro Martinez could be preferred to Raphael Varane as Harry Maguire’s partner. The Frenchman has been overlooked for much of pre-season and could find himself on the bench on Sunday.

Maguire will captain United against Brighton

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are both set to miss out.

On the left, Tyrell Malacia could make his competitive debut ahead of Luke Shaw.

Midfielders

Ten Hag could go with his usual pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay at the base of his midfield, with Nemanja Matic having departed over the summer.

Fernandes has impressed since arriving in England

Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes will start in the advanced midfield role, hoping to improve on his performances from last season. The Portuguese impressed during his first six months in England, but struggled last term.

Forwards

Up front, Marcus Rashford looks set to lead the line in the absence of Anthony Martial, who is injured. Cristiano Ronaldo was criticised for leaving a friendly against Rayo Vallecano before full time, and could be on the bench on Sunday.

Elanga is in line to star on Sunday

Either side of Rashford could be Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga. The pair will likely both feature a lot this term, and they will both be looking to impress on the opening weekend.

Predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Malacia; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Rashford, Elanga.