Manchester United take part in their penultimate pre-season friendly of the summer when they host Ligue 1 side Lens at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a lengthy summer schedule which has included early wins against Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal before more recent losses to Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Lens have faced eclectic European sides like Dijon, Wolfsburg and Torino of late and will hope for a reunion with United defender Raphael Varane, who spent his formative years in Pas-de-Calais before moving to Real Madrid.
Here’s the preview of Saturday’s game, with another United squad set to face Athletic Club the day after.
This will be the first ever meeting between Manchester United and Lens.
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Manager Erik ten Hag has two friendlies in two days to navigate, though United fans will still hope to catch their summer signings in action at Old Trafford.
Mason Mount and Andre Onana could feature at United’s iconic home ground for the first time since their moves from Chelsea and Inter respectively, while a number of youth stars may also feature to ensure the squad isn’t burned out by the time they face Athletic Club in Dublin.
Anthony Martial is still working his way back from a hamstring strain, while Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo won’t feature due to injuries.
(4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford.
Midfielder Andy Diouf became Len’s record signing upon signing from Basel, while Abdukodir Khusanov, Stijn Spierings, Neil El Aynaoui, Angelo Fulgini and Morgan Guilavogui have also been brought in.
Lois Openda and Seko Fofana, two important figures in Les Sang et Or’s second place finish in Ligue 1 last season, have been sold this summer ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League.
With two games in two days, United boss Ten Hag has a fair amount of juggling to contend with before the season starts. The Dutchman could also do with arresting United’s recent slump, having fallen to defeats against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
It is Lens’ last game before their Ligue 1 campaign starts next week and the French side should provide a stern test for United to overcome.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Lens
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