1
After shipping seven goals in the last two games, Manchester United’s defence is in some need of an overhaul.
The Red Devils have clearly missed Matthijs de Ligt, who was absent for both defeats through sickness.
We do not know if he will have recovered in time for tomorrow but have assumed he will start if there is any chance whatsoever of him making it.
Neither Harry Maguire nor Lisandro Martinez have covered themselves in glory in those two games so perhaps Leny Yoro will be afforded a start. He is more likely to replace Maguire on the right side on the back three, with De Ligt in the middle.
Jonny Evans is another option but Victor Lindelof is injured.
Head coach Ruben Amorim may go for two defensive-minded wing backs to try to steady the ship, which would mean Noussair Mazraoui on the right and Diogo Dalot on the left.
Luke Shaw remains injured and Tyrell Malacia has struggled badly in the games he has played.
Amad is probably United’s undroppable at the moment so he should start at right inside forward, with Alejandro Garnacho coming back in at left inside forward.
This would mean Bruno Fernandes pushing back into central midfield, probably alongside Manu Ugarte, with Kobbie Mainoo rested.
Casemiro, Toby Collyer and Christian Eriksen are other midfield options.
Of course, Marcus Rashford could be restored to the squad and even the starting lineup, but we think the bench is the more likely of those two possibilities.
Mason Mount is out injured. Antony is another option in either a wing back or forward role.
As for the centre forward role, neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Josh Zirkzee are setting the world alight right now, but Hojlund may just get the nod as he will be fresher.
With all that in mind, here is our predicted line-up for tomorrow’s 5.30pm GMT kick-off:
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
2024-12-25 13:00:56
