A tricky away tie to Brentford awaits Ruben Amorim and his men tomorrow as they aim to string two victories together for the first time this season.
The Manchester United head coach changed up his defence against Chelsea last weekend, dropping Leny Yoro and replacing him with Harry Maguire.
Defence
It looks as if Amorim is sticking with Altay Bayindir in goal for now, despite the signing of Senne Lammens toward the end of the transfer window.
That back three of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw may not be retained, however. They looked fairly solid against the Blues for most of the match, although they were only up against 10 men for 88 minutes.
However, Amorim confirmed at the pre-match press conference that Noussair Mazraoui and Amad will be unavailable for tomorrow’s game. Amad has a family bereavement, while Mazraoui is unavailable until after the international break.
We therefore expect Shaw to take up the left wing back role with Patrick Dorgu switching to the right.
Yoro would then come in at LCB with Maguire staying in the middle and Matthijs de Ligt on the right. Lisandro Martinez is not expected back for a couple more weeks. Ayden Heaven is another option.
Diego Leon could come in at wing back but we think it’s unlikely he will start the game.
Midfield
In central midfield, Casemiro is suspended after his harsh sending off against Chelsea, so Bruno Fernandes is likely to be joined by Manu Ugarte.
Kobbie Mainoo still doesn’t seem to be able to get a start for love nor money. Mason Mount is another option but unlikely to be deployed in that role.
Forwards
Benjamin Sesko is yet to get off the mark in a red shirt and with Matheus Cunha now back, the Slovenian could be rested, with the Brazilian playing up top. Bryan Mbeumo should continue on the right side of the attack.
The gaffer has been trying Amad in the left forward role, but given his injury, Mount may be brought in there.
Josh Zirkzee, like Mainoo, gets few starts and we don’t anticipate that changing tomorrow.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for tomorrow’s game:
Featured image Matt McNulty 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.
