Manchester United kick off their much anticipated Premier League season in a couple of hours, and will hope to get off to a winning start.
A strong end to last season saw the fans warm up to the prospect of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer overseeing the much-delayed transition at the club. But the transfer window hasn’t gone according to the plan as we head into the last 15 days.
The big statement signing of the summer in Jadon Sancho seems to have hit a dead-end and the right-wing area continues to sport a depleted look.
One player who was signed is Donny van de Beek and the versatile Dutchman will be eager to make a bright start post his dream move to Old Trafford.
United face a sprightly Crystal Palace team who defeated Southampton in the opening round but the Red Devils will be overwhelming favourites given their superior squad and past record in this fixture.
Manchester United Team News
Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw have been passed fit. Which means that Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe remain United’s only confirmed absentees. Fitness will be a concern, which could see Pogba start only on the bench. New signing Donny van de Beek is in line to start.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Defence
There is a divided opinion across the footballing fraternity over who will start in goal for United.
Dean Henderson has a smashing case to present for his inclusion but we feel it will be David de Gea to start in goal in the Manchester United lineup.
The back four sports a settled look though. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to start at right-back with Luke Shaw on the opposite flank.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will be the centre-back pairing but the former will be under scrutiny this season.
Midfield
There will be the temptation to start with the three big stars in midfield immediately. But a more realistic midfield might look like the following.
Nemanja Matic is likely to start as the deep-lying midfielder in the Manchester United lineup.
Donny van de Beek is in line to make his debut alongside him while Bruno Fernandes should start in his preferred No.10 role.
Paul Pogba is expected to be used as an option off the bench.
Attack
Marcus Rashford will start on the left and will look to set right his dwindling form.
There has been controversy around Mason Greenwood over the season break but Ole will do well to back his youngest star and hand him a start.
Anthony Martial should start as the furthest forward in the Manchester United lineup.
