After a gruelling 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in Australia, Manchester United return to action facing Atletico Madrid this Saturday before ending their pre-season against Rayo Vallecano the next day. Although having been undefeated during pre-season hitherto, Erik Ten Hag will be keen on cementing his best XI for the opening game-week, with the United manager expected to field his strongest starting line-up against Atletico Madrid this weekend.

With new arrivals Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen expected to be part of proceedings this Saturday, both players are likely to be part of the manager’s starting line-up for the opening Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend. Moreover, with the team continuing to harbour weaknesses in positions across the pitch, Ten Hag will be keen on addressing the same moving into the first game of the season.

Manchester United Starting Line-Up Against Atletico Madrid

Whilst having shown immense improvement on the pitch throughout pre-season, a lack of application saw the team fail to cope with Aston Villa’s onslaught in the second half of their previous outing. With Ten Hag having remained consistent in his assessment of the team’s inadequacies on the pitch, the Dutchman will be looking to cut out mistakes in preparation for the commencement of the new campaign over the coming week.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK): With Ten Hag expected to field his strongest XI, De Gea is likely to retain his place between the sticks this Saturday. Having had a decent pre-season campaign, the Spaniard will be keen on delivering consistent performances over the coming season.

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB): Having been a regular starter for United throughout pre-season, Dalot is expected to remain Ten Hag’s first-choice figure for the right-back position against Atletico Madrid. Amongst the captivating performers in recent outings, the Portuguese full-back will be keen on continuing to deliver valuable performances moving into the season.

Harry Maguire (RCB): Expected to remain a first-team regular moving into the new campaign, Maguire will be keen on redeeming himself over the upcoming season. Having delivered relatively consistent performances during pre-season, the centre-back will be looking to return to his best form under the Dutch manager.

Lisandro Martinez (LCB): Having featured in United’s behind-the-doors friendly against Wrexham earlier this week, Martinez is expected to make his first unofficial appearance for the Red Devils this Saturday. Expected to immediately slot in the backline, the Argentinian will be keen on delivering a notable performance against Atletico.

Tyrell Malacia (LB): Amongst the promising figures in recent outings, the competition for a starting spot remains tense between Malacia and Luke Shaw moving into the opening game-week of the season. Having proven to be comfortable in understanding his role throughout pre-season, the Dutch full-back is likely to be granted the nod ahead of Shaw for the game against the Rojiblancos.

Midfielders

Fred (CM): Amongst the team’s lively performers in pre-season, Fred is expected to retain his spot in midfield moving into the season. Whilst having shown potential to improve under Ten Hag, the Brazilian is yet to deliver a string of consistent performances in recent seasons.

Christian Eriksen (CM): Having scored from a free-kick against Wrexham earlier this week, Eriksen is expected to cement his place in the starting line-up moving into the season. Likely to have his first outing with the team against Atletico, the Danish international will be keen on delivering an impressive display this weekend.

Attackers

Jadon Sancho (RW): Arguably, the team’s most exciting performer throughout pre-season, Sancho will be keen on improving his tally of goal contributions moving into the new campaign. Having seamlessly fit into Ten Hag’s philosophy, the winger will be hoping to deliver valuable performances over the coming season.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Disciplined in his application, Fernandes is expected to gradually undergo a change in his approach on the pitch this season. Whilst yet to register a goal contribution during pre-season, a healthy improvement in his game is likely to help the Portuguese cement a first-team spot moving into the season.

Read More:

• Man United Back in the Hunt for €35m Rated Brazilian Winger as Club Trying to Work out a Deal
• Why the Move for €60m Rated La Liga Star Hanging on the Balance | The Transfer Saga Explained
• Man United Considering Swoop for €35m Rated Premier League Forward as Ronaldo Replacement

Marcus Rashford (LW): Although having netted a handful of goals in recent outings, Rashford will be keen on improving his overall contribution ahead of the start of the season. With Ten Hag likely to deploy him as a starting winger, Rashford will be looking to fulfil the manager’s requirements on the pitch for the upcoming season.

Anthony Martial (ST): Amongst the team’s promising players during pre-season, Martial will be keen on continuing to deliver notable contributions over the coming weeks. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club uncertain, the French striker is likely to be deployed as Ten Hag’s first-choice attacker for the season.

Predicted Score:

Manchester United 2-1 Atletico Madrid

The post 2022/23 Pre-Season Tour | 4-2-3-1 With Eriksen, Martinez & Martial – Predicted Line-Up | How Would United’s Starting XI Look Like Against Atletico Madrid appeared first on Arsedevils.