Manchester United open their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a daunting fixture vs Arsenal.
After last season’s disappointing 15th-place finish, Ruben Amorim will be desperate for a positive start, but the challenge couldn’t be tougher.
Arsenal are likely to dominate possession and territory, forcing United to spend long spells in their own third.
However, Amorim will be counting on his new-look front three to strike on the counter.
The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha have injected fresh quality into the attack, and United will want to make that firepower count.
Defending set-pieces will also be crucial, with Arsenal carrying a major threat from corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Staying switched on could be the difference between victory and defeat.
So, how might United line up for the opening fixture?
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Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper position has been a point of contention at Old Trafford this summer.
With both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir struggling last season, United have explored bringing in a new keeper, with links to Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
However, it now appears Onana and Bayindir will remain as the club’s first-team options.
Onana, who suffered a pre-season hamstring injury, is expected to return in time for the Arsenal clash.
This leaves Amorim with a choice: start Bayindir, who has struggled at times at United, or risk a slightly unfit Onana.
Given the importance of experience against a strong Arsenal side, it is likely Amorim will opt for Onana if he can reach sufficient match fitness.
Defence
At left wing-back, Patrick Dorgu is expected to start, with new signing Diego Leon the only other option in the squad.
On the right, Amad Diallo looks set to start, as Ruben Amorim searches for a way to fit both Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo into the same side.
However, Amorim faces a key decision regarding his three centre-backs, especially at left centre back.
With Lisandro Martinez sidelined for the next month, young Ayden Heaven is an option, but given the big game against his former club, Amorim will likely rely on more experienced players.
Harry Maguire is expected to take the central centre back role, dealing with Arsenal’s aerial threat and set-piece situations.
Matthias de Ligt is likely to start at left centre-back, tasked with handling Bukayo Saka and providing defensive coverage and box defending.
While Lenny Yoro will occupy the right centre-back spot, covering the channels and handling one-on-one battles.
Midfield
With Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo likely to occupy the attacking midfield roles, Bruno Fernandes is expected to drop deeper into the midfield pivot, helping to control the tempo and link play between defence and attack.
This places a significant burden on his partner in the pivot, who will be tasked with covering large areas of the pitch, breaking up opposition attacks, and managing the first phase of build-up play.
Their performance will be key in ensuring United can transition quickly and remain solid defensively.
Ruben Amorim has two main options for this crucial role: Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, as United continue their search for a new midfielder this summer.
Casemiro’s experience and ability to play precise first-time balls forward in transition could give him the edge over Ugarte, making him the likely choice to start in Sunday’s opening clash against Arsenal.
Forwards
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are likely to start in the right and left number 10 roles, with Amorim aiming to give them plenty of the ball in the final third, where their threat is strongest.
Their creativity and ability to produce moments of magic on the counter-attack will be crucial for United’s chances against Arsenal.
The bigger question lies in who will lead the line.
With Rasmus Hojlund reportedly on his way out and Joshua Zirkzee only just returning from injury, Amorim has limited options and looks set to hand new signing Benjamin Sesko his debut.
Although Sesko has had little time to train under the United coach, Amorim has confirmed he is physically ready for Sunday’s clash.
While Cunha could be considered for a false nine role, Sesko’s ability to receive direct balls, occupy centre-backs, link play, and make intelligent runs into channels makes him the most likely choice to spearhead United’s attack at Old Trafford.
