If Senne Lammens is to be given any sort of chance this season to claim the number one jersey at Manchester United, then a home match against newly promoted Sunderland must be the perfect opportunity to do so.
With erratic Andre Onana on loan at Trabzonspor, Altay Bayindir has failed to convince in his absence and has transmitted a sense of panic through the defence as a result.
Defence
The time must surely have now come for head coach Ruben Amorim to blood “Baby Courtois” and a solid performance from the young keeper could breathe new life into the United side.
Leny Yoro has been benched in the last two games in favour of Harry Maguire, but the England man’s abject performance against Brentford last time around will surely herald the younger player’s return.
This will mean Matthijs de Ligt moving back to the centre of the back three, with Luke Shaw expected to keep his place on the left.
Ayden Heaven is another option but Lisandro Martinez and Nouss Mazraoui are still unavailable.
Wing Backs and Midfield
Amad missed the Brentford game due to a family bereavement but should be back and fresh to face the Black Cats. However, Diogo Dalot is one of Amorim’s go-to players, so it is possible that Patrick Dorgu will be rested to make space at left wing back for the Portuguese.
Dalot is certainly not the fan favourite of the three but is probably the best at tucking in to provide an extra man in midfield, which will be important given the form of Granit Xhaka and co. for tomorrow’s opponents.
Casemiro will replace Manu Ugarte after serving a one-match suspension and Bruno Fernandes will once again play in the eight role.
Kobbie Mainoo is another option and looked impressive off the bench against the Bees. Mason Mount could also do a job in midfield if needed.
Forwards
Benjamin Sesko finally got off the mark against Brentford so should keep his place, flanked by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Mount, again and Josh Zirkzee are alternatives.
Here, then, is our predicted XI for tomorrow’s 3pm 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.
