Manchester United are in serious need of a morale-boosting win in more ways than one, with the first two games of the Premier League season doing little to convince fans a title challenge is in the offing.
While they did get three points against Wolves at Old Trafford to begin the season, it was a largely poor display that contained a favour from the officials after Andre Onana’s wild challenge in the box late on.
A poor second half against Tottenham meant they were beaten 2-0 in north London last weekend, so a big performance at home to Nottingham Forest is needed this Saturday at 15:00 BST.
Here’s the team Erik ten Hag could choose to deliver a victory at Old Trafford against Steve Cooper’s side.
GK: Andre Onana – The Cameroonian was solid again against Tottenham and it’s clear he will bring qualities De Gea didn’t. He also managed to avoid a moment like the one against Wolves.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – One of the more heavily contested places in the Man Utd team this season, Wan-Bissaka should hold off competition from Diogo Dalot here but don’t be shocked if the Portugal international gets the nod instead.
CB: Raphael Varane – Man Utd’s top scorer so far this season with one goal, something Erik ten Hag will hope changes after this game against Forest. Unless Varane just keeps scoring from corners each week.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – The Argentine is one of a number of undroppable names at United and while some focus is on centre-backs in the market right now, that is all going on beneath Martinez and his partner.
LB: Luke Shaw – With Tyrell Malacia out injured, there is no pressure on Shaw for his place right now. He will be hoping for a much better display this time than he managed against Spurs.
CM: Casemiro – It has not been a great start to the season for Casemiro and fears are setting in about his mobility, but there is still time for him to change the record in that regard.
CM: Christian Eriksen – Coming in for the injured Mason Mount, the Denmark international will want to show why he should keep that place in the midfield alongside Casemiro.
RW: Antony – Another player who has made a poor start to the season. There would be a lot more pressure on Antony’s position if Amad Diallo had not picked up an injury shortly before the campaign started.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – The creator-in-chief, Fernandes will want to get his first goal of the season in the bag at Old Trafford and as captain he won’t let many of his teammates put in another lacklustre display.
LW: Jadon Sancho – Having started Alejandro Garnacho in the last two games, Ten Hag may opt for Sancho on the left this time just to see if the Englishman can make a bit more of an impact.
ST: Marcus Rashford – Rasmus Hojlund’s debut for Man Utd isn’t likely to come before September so Rashford will remain down the middle for now.
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