Ruben Amorim dropped some hints yesterday as to who would be starting for his Manchester United side against Nottingham Forest this evening.
At yesterday’s press conference, the boss spoke about managing playing time, suggesting he had to be more careful with some players than others.
He mentioned Manuel Ugarte as one whose time he has to ration more than someone like Bruno Fernandes. We take from that comment that the latter will play today while the former will be rested.
He had also mentioned previously the need to rest Diogo Dalot, who has not had many opportunities to sit out so far this season, so he has been omitted from our predicted lineup.
Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo’s returns from suspension should mean that both Dalot and Ugarte can be rotated, with Noussair Mazraoui moving to left wing back in place of the Portuguese and Harry Maguire keeping his place in the back three.
Amorim also mentioned Maguire as being nursed back to fitness, but moreso Leny Yoro, so the plan is probably to play Maguire for an hour again and then to give Yoro 30 minutes in his place.
Victor Lindelof is back in training but not ready for the game. Jonny Evans is still injured and Luke Shaw is also out.
Tyrell Malacia started against Arsenal so will probably also be rested as he continues his rehabilitation following a long layoff.
Three players benched against Arsenal – Marcus Rashford, Amad and Josh Zirkzee, will probably return to the starting XI, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund joining Malacia on the bench.
Casemiro will come into midfield, with Fernandes pushing up to inside forward and Mason Mount rotated out.
Christian Eriksen and Antony are also options who are likely to see some minutes at some point as Amorim tries to get the whole squad match fit.
Andre Onana will of course be in goal.
This makes it a very similar XI to the one that beat Everton last weekend, with just one change (Maguire replacing Dalot).
With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for today’s 5.30pm kick off:
Featured image Alex Livesey 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.
