Manchester United return to competitive action this afternoon when they visit Hull City in the Premier League. Michael Carrick's side are preparing to embark on an exciting season with Champions League football back on the agenda.
On paper, United have been handed a favourable opening day fixture against the 2025/26 Championship play-off winners. But Carrick was eager to stress the challenge Hull will pose in his press conference on Thursday.
Predicted line-up and debuts
Understandably, United will go for a strong line-up to face the Tigers. Senne Lammens will start in goal. Diogo Dalot was the starter at right-back last season for United, and with Carrick aiming for continuity, he could keep his spot. Ayden Heaven was preferred to Leny Yoro during pre-season, which was a shock to many. It would be surprising if the former Arsenal youngster did not start at the MKM Stadium alongside Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
In midfield, Carrick would have liked to have picked Mason Mount. The former Chelsea man struck up a good partnership in pre-season with Andrey Santos, who will be handed a debut on Humberside. However, his knock against Paris Saint-Germain makes him a doubt for this game. In his absence, Youri Tielemans will likely be the second debutant.
Rashford decision and attacking options
Marcus Rashford has dominated headlines this summer. As United insisted he would, Rashford has been welcomed back to the first-team squad after an exit failed to materialise and he featured against Ruben Amorim's AC Milan last weekend. As with Kobbie Mainoo, it would be a risk starting him after a late return to pre-season, but he should make the bench.
That leaves the battle on the left wing down to two players. Matheus Cunha made the position his own last season while Patrick Dorgu was injured. This summer, Carrick has aimed to reintroduce Dorgu to the left wing role and, after a goal against Milan, he will likely get the nod.
Striker selection
United have been buoyed by the return of Benjamin Sesko to full training. However, starting him would be a risk after he missed the entirety of pre-season. Instead, Bryan Mbeumo will be preferred to Joshua Zirkzee at centre-forward.
United predicted line-up vs Hull: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo.
