Luke Shaw’s return for injury was short lived and he is not travelling to London to face Arsenal this evening.
With Victor Lindelof out, Jonny Evans doubtful and Lisandro Martinez suspended, head coach Ruben Amorim is going to be working with bare bones when picking his defence.
It looks as if Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt will be the centre backs. Leny Yoro is finally fit and is expected to be in the squad, but it is highly unlikely he will start.
Having said that, Amorim did throw Tyrell Malacia straight in the starting XI after 550 days out, so he could spring a similar surprise with Yoro.
Had either Shaw or Martinez been available, or were he to risk Yoro, given the opposition we would have expected the boss to pick two more defensive-minded wingbacks in Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui. But with the latter needed at centre back, there are no real defensive wing back options available other than Dalot.
We therefore think Amorim will start with the in-form Amad at RWB again, despite his inexperience in the position. Dalot will continue at LWB.
Manuel Ugarte should come in to central midfield in place of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes could push back into the 8 role to join him.
Kobbie Mainoo is suspended. Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount are other options.
Up front, Rasmus Hojlund should come back after being rested against Everton.
Alejandro Garnacho was also rested and should come back in as one of the twin 10’s, with either Marcus Rashford or Mount as the other.
Josh Zirkzee is another option, having had an excellent game on Sunday. Antony is also an option but seems an unlikely starter.
Andre Onana will, of course, be in goal.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted starting XI for tonight’s 8.15pm kick-off:
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
