United Predictions: Who will start against Wolves?Monday 14 August 2023 12:30The right-back position is one of the most competitive areas of the Manchester United team, according to The Times journalist Paul Hirst.Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot are vying for a spot in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI for our Premier League opener against Wolves tonight (Monday) and both defenders were given the nod in different games across our pre-season. “If you asked me that a few weeks ago, I would have definitely said Wan-Bissaka [would start],” said Hirst. “But I would probably go with Dalot at the moment. I think he is better at going forward, although Wan-Bissaka has improved in that department. Wolves will be on the back foot and invite United to attack so Dalot would be my choice. “It is good for Ten Hag that he has proper competition there now. It is one of the most keenly competitive areas of the squad now.”It isn’t just the defence that is a contentious area of the pitch for United though, as the question of where new signing Mason Mount will slot into the midfield also sparks debate. Will our new no.7 play in the no.8 or no.10 position? “In one pre-season game, against Arsenal, United played 4-3-3 and then it was 4-2-3-1 with Mount as a no.10,” recalled Hirst. “In my opinion, I think the perfect balance is to have a 4-3-3 with Bruno and Mount as the most advanced [midfielders]. “I think they are both really good at pressing and Ten Hag always mentions that as one of the best traits he looks for. Them two pushing for the front is as important as their creativity.”Matchday Q&A | Ten Hag on Wolves (H) VideoMatchday Q&A | Ten Hag on Wolves (H)Matchday Q&A | Get set for United’s Premier League opener by watching our exclusive sit-down interview with Erik…Moving into attack, the journalist also says one particular wide man stood out in pre-season, and he is keen to see how he begins the new campaign. “I am really excited about Garnacho this season,” said Hirst. “He’s got that fearlessness about him and runs against players. He doesn’t care who he is playing with. I think he will start on the left, with Rashford in the middle and Antony on the right. “I think at the moment [Antony] is the only player that can slot into that position. Antony just grafts and I remember seeing his first match and he’s getting back into the right-back area and getting the ball. That’s a real boost.”PAUL HIRST’S PREDICTED XI Onana Dalot Varane Martinez Shaw Casemiro Mount Fernandes (c) Antony Rashford Garnacho 📊 Predictions | Which of our three signings will have the biggest impact?poll📊 Predictions | Which of our three signings will have the biggest impact?📊 Predictions | Who will be our top scorer in all competitions this season?poll📊 Predictions | Who will be our top scorer in all competitions this season?📊 Predictions | We earned 75 points in 2022/23 – how many will we tally this season?poll📊 Predictions | We earned 75 points in 2022/23 – how many will we tally this season?📊 Opinions | Where do you want United to improve this season?poll📊 Opinions | Where do you want United to improve this season?📊 Opinions | What’s your priority across all competitions this season?poll📊 Opinions | What’s your priority across all competitions this season?Recommended:Monday 14 August 2023 12:30Back to Top
