Man United v Fulham: Predicted Red Devils XI for season opener

The Premier League returns on Friday evening when Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford. 

Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten on penalties by Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend, but the Dutchman will want to see his side improve in the league this term after an eighth-placed finish last season.

The Red Devils have added four new signings to Ten Hag’s squad so far this summer, leaving the ex-Ajax boss with a number of selection decisions to make ahead of the visit of the Cottagers.

Here, we predict the XI that Ten Hag could select for the game.

Goalkeeper

Andre Onana endured a shaky start to life at Old Trafford after joining the club last summer, but his form improved over the course of last term and he ended up keeping nine clean sheets in 38 league games. The Cameroonian will start between the sticks on Friday.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot started at right-back against Man City last weekend, and the Portuguese is likely to continue for this one.

In the centre of defence, Harry Maguire could be partnered by new arrival Matthijs de Ligt, who only joined the club earlier this week. Frenchman Raphael Varane has departed Old Trafford since the end of last season, and De Ligt has since arrived from German giants Bayern Munich.

Maguire started against Manchester City on Saturday

At left-back, Lisandro Martinez could once again start having done so in the Community Shield. The Argentine is naturally a centre-back, but he was used as a makeshift full-back against the Citizens with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured. New signings Noussair Mazraoui, who arrived from Bayern with De Ligt, will likely be named among the substitutes.

Midfielders

In midfield, veteran Brazilian Casemiro will likely be joined by England international Kobbie Mainoo. The pair started together at Wembley on Saturday, with Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen both on the bench.

Mainoo was impressive for England at the Euros this summer

In the advanced midfield role, Mason Mount could once again start as he aims to have a successful campaign and get his career back on track after a disappointing couple of years. The former Chelsea man endured a difficult debut campaign at Old Trafford, scoring just once.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford started on the left against City last time out and could do so once again for this one. The England international also had a difficult season last term and missed out on the England squad for the European Championships, and he will therefore be desperate to improve this season.

Bruno Fernandes has been arguably United’s best player since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020. The Portugal international had a goal ruled out for offside at Wembley last time out, as he was deployed by Ten Hag in a sort of false nine role. Fernandes could once again be used as United’s most advanced player for this one.

Fernandes and Garnacho are set to start against Fulham

Amad Diallo started on the right against City but the winger is likely to be replaced by Alejandro Garnacho on Friday. The Argentine enjoyed a fine individual campaign last year and came off the bench to score United’s opener against Man City.

New signing Joshua Zirkzee will likely be named among the substitutes once again but will be hopeful of making his debut against the Cottagers.