Manchester United XI vs Man City: Predicted line-up – Sancho starts in false nine role

In partnership with

Stretty News

·9 août 2024

Manchester United XI vs Man City: Predicted line-up – Sancho starts in false nine role

Manchester United have several doubts going into Saturday’s Community Shield.

Erik ten Hag confirmed on Thursday that Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof would all need to be assessed ahead of the game before the medical team can determine whether they are fit enough to play.

Vidéos OneFootball

The Dutchman welcomed several of the internationals who featured in summer tournaments in recent days and will have to decide how many minutes he gives them before the Premier League kicks off against Fulham next Friday. Those players include Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho.

Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee could be handed his debut but it remains to be seen if the former Bologna forward will start as the focal point of United’s attack in Rasmus Hojlund’s absence.

🔗 Spotify

Fellow new signing Leny Yoro misses the game due to a foot injury that is expected to keep him out of action for three months. That means we are extra light at the back with just two recognised centre-backs fit: Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans.

Martinez missed pre-season because he was busy winning Copa America, while Evans was taken off in the 3-0 friendly defeat to Liverpool last weekend through illness.

Stretty News’ predicted Manchester United XI vs Man City: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes; Amad, Sancho, Rashford.

At left-back, Ten Hag has no other choice but to start Harry Amass. The 17-year-old was one of the shining lights from the pre-season tour of the United States. It’s typical that we start the season with Shaw being a doubt.

Finally, I think Jadon Sancho will get the nod and play as a false nine. We should see Zirkzee come on after the break.

Let us know in the comments section if you would make any chances based on the players available.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.