Manchester United have Matthijs de Ligt on the bench for their Premier League opener against Fulham.
Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to start the new campaign in more positive fashion after last weekend’s Community Shield defeat by Manchester City on penalties at Wembley.
Fellow new arrival Noussair Mazraoui starts the top-flight curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.
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With Luke Shaw now out until next month’s international break with a calf injury, Tyrell Malacia still unavailable and Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining West Ham, Man Utd are short of options at full-back.
“We were looking and we can sort problems over the left side,” Ten Hag said on Thursday. “For instance Licha Martinez and Diogo Dalot are capable of playing there.
“Mazraoui is an additional one who can fill the position as long as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia aren't in the team. They are different and I think it's quite difficult to put him under pressure, especially in English football, that can be very beneficial.”
Joshua Zirkzee was an unused substitute at Wembley, but could feature here as he also hopes to earn a debut from the bench.
Rasmus Hojlund is out with a hamstring injury, while Leny Yoro faces a lengthy wait for his first competitive appearance for United after undergoing foot surgery. The summer signing is not expected to return until October.
“Issues are there but it's not about the players who are not available,” Ten Hag stated. “It's about the players who are available. We have a good group, we can make a strong selection, we can put out a strong team and we will do.”
Starting Man United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford
Subs: Bayindir, De Ligt, Evans, Collyer, Eriksen, McTominay, Antony, Garnahco, Zirkzee
Time and date: 8pm BST on Friday August 16, 2024
Venue: Old Trafford
