Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Manchester United have five selection dilemmas for Melbourne Victory fixture

Manchester United supporters will get a second look at their side under Erik ten Hag when they face Melbourne Victory on Friday. The mood around the club has been lifted following the 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool earlier in the week, but now the real challenge is for them to prove that it wasn't a freak result.

Ten Hag will be hoping to see his side put in another energetic display. And ahead of the clash, he has a few selection dilemmas on his hands.

MEN Sport takes a look at five positions United have up for grabs ahead of their second pre-season match.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag makes Bailly admission after Liverpool performance

Centre-back

United appeared to confirm their centre-back pecking order against Liverpool with Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof selected in the absence of club captain Harry Maguire. The England international has been training with the rest of the group ahead of their first match in Australia and, if fit, should get some minutes against Victory this Friday.

If that is the case, it will be interesting to see who starts the match and who drops out, given the imminent arrival of Ten Hag admitted at his press conference to bolster their central defensive options.

Eric Bailly has been deemed surplus to requirements by United this summer, but after his impressive cameo against Liverpool, he might yet get a chance to be part of Ten Hag's plans next season.

Left-back

Ten Hag also has a decision to make in regards to his selection on the left side of defence after Tyrell Malacia caught the eye with his impressive debut earlier in the week. United have brought in Malacia to play back-up to Luke Shaw next season, and the club are open to selling Alex Telles and sending Alvaro Fernandez out on loan this summer.

It is understood Shaw will remain first-choice heading into the new campaign, but his place in the starting line-up could be in jeopardy if their new signing manages to build upon his solid foundations.

Central midfield

Fred and Scott McTominay are often criticised as a midfield pairing, but there is a reason why Ten Hag has become the latest United manager to trust them. The plan is still to upgrade their options with the addition of Frenkie de Jong this summer, and it will be interesting to see which of the duo drops out should he arrive.

Despite the final first-half display earlier in the week, Friday's match gives United another chance to rotate, with James Garner, Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal all hoping for another chance to impress.

Attacking midfield

Bruno Fernandes remains the first-choice attacking outlet in midfield ahead of the new season, but Ten Hag admitted at his press conference that it is where he sees Donny van de Beek's best role as well.

United are clearly in need of back-up options, but with Christian Eriksen expected to be confirmed as a new signing soon, it does raise questions about the Dutchman's role.

The biggest show of faith from the new manager would be to give Van de Beek a chance to prove himself in his preferred role this summer, though that is easier said than done.

Left wing

If there is one area of the pitch that United don't need to strengthen this summer, it is the left flank of attack, given there is an abundance of options call upon. Marcus Rashford impressed as part of a fluid front three against Liverpool, but Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho could all be used there in the second match as well.

It makes most sense to keep the same starting trio that shone so brightly on Monday, but Ten Hag could emphasise just how fierce the competition is by making a change.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.