The Premier League returns Friday night, with Liverpool and Bournemouth kicking off the new season.
Manchester United, meanwhile, must wait until Sunday to open their account, arguably in the weekend’s biggest clash, as they welcome Arsenal to the Theatre of Dreams.
United will be desperate to start on a high note
After one of their worst league campaigns in recent times, the Red Devils will hope this season offers fresh opportunities to rediscover their best form.
A win on Sunday could lay the foundation for a brilliant campaign.
With a sparkling new attack featuring Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United’s major struggle last season, scoring goals, should now be a thing of the past.
United now stronger
There is little more to ask than for head coach Rúben Amorim to field his strongest XI minus Carlos Baleba.
Following an unbeaten pre-season and a string of promising performances, the Portuguese tactician should have a clear sense of his best side to outwit the North Londoners.
While some starters seem nailed on, others remain uncertain.
One name fans will watch closely is Andre Onana.
The Cameroonian has missed all of pre-season with a hamstring injury.
Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton have shared goalkeeping duties in his absence.
Bayindir, who started United’s last two pre-season fixtures against Everton in Atalanta and Fiorentina last Saturday, will hope to keep his place.
But Onana, still Amorim’s first-choice keeper, is fit again and raring to go.
According to ESPN:
“After returning to training, sources have told ESPN that the 29-year-old feels ready to start the Premier League opener at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“He’s stepped up his workload in the last 10 days since returning from America and, according to sources, has put himself in contention to start against Arsenal.
“Amorim and his staff are set to assess Onana’s fitness and readiness to play a Premier League match over the next 48 hours before making a decision about whether to select the Cameroon international or stick with Bayindir.”
Some argue Bayindir deserves to continue, but the magnitude of this fixture may prompt a change.
Redemption chance
Onana struggled last season, but Bayindir fared worse; many United fans still shiver at his calamitous showing against Newcastle last April.
Despite his flaws, Onana remains a top-class keeper on his day.
Even Gianluigi Donnarumma is not much of an upgrade to the former Inter Milan man, as last season’s stats suggested.
This season offers a clean slate, and the Cameroonian must seize the chance to reignite his United career.
Shaky performances, with the transfer window still open, could push INEOS to dip into the market for his upgrade.
United may have cooled interest in Donnarumma, who is there for the taking, but he is not the only elite goalkeeper on their radar.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
