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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
James Findlater

Harry Maguire and Fred start — Manchester United fans pick line-up vs West Ham

Manchester United will be forced into at least one change as they face a huge game against West Ham at Old Trafford this afternoon (Saturday).

Victor Lindelof will definitely miss out after it was confirmed he won’t be considered following a burglary at his family home, meaning there will be a change at the back.

Having won in midweek, the question will be whether Ralf Rangnick feels compelled to make any other changes to his side as he faces a crucial encounter in the race for the top four.

Here is the United starting XI that Manchester Evening News readers have selected to face West Ham:

Goalkeeper – David de Gea

As simple a decision as you can get in any team in the Premier League. De Gea was in superb form once again on Wednesday as he kept Brentford out during a testing first half. Barring any last-minute knocks, he’ll be in goal against the Hammers this afternoon.

Defenders – Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles

It’s the same back four that started against Brentford, apart from one enforced change at the heart of the defence.

With Rangnick revealing Lindelof will not be considered, it’s just a question of whether Harry Maguire or Phil Jones partners Raphael Varane.

Maguire gets the nod, having made his return from injury off the bench in London in midweek, and you’d fully expect him to take on the captain’s armband again this weekend.

And with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka unlikely to return, Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles should hold onto their places in the side.

Midfielders – Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Fred

The much-maligned Scott McTominay and Fred combination in the middle gets the nod here after a good showing in midweek.

McTominay was many people’s man of the match at Brentford, while Fred laid on a superb assist for Anthony Elanga’s opener, and it’s highly likely they will once again line up today.

Bruno Fernandes gets the nod alongside them, having returned to form somewhat in recent games after his starring role against Aston Villa.

Forwards – Mason Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga

As per usual, a lot of the talk pre-match is about Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar’s reaction to being hauled off at Brentford has been much-discussed, but given his goals return, you’d highly doubt that he won't start today.

The only slight doubt that lingers is over his fitness after a recent neck injury, but having been included in the travelling squad for today’s game, you’d fully expect him to be in the side.

Greenwood and Elanga retain their places alongside Ronaldo, having both scored on Wednesday night, and they’ll be hoping for more of the same this afternoon.

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