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Manchester United’s predicted line-up for Premier League opener

By Atharva Khadilkar

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Nemanja Matic, Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United look dejected after the 2nd MAcnhester City goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on December 10, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Nemanja Matic, Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United look dejected after the 2nd MAcnhester City goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on December 10, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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The Red Devils contest the first fixture of the Premier League’s 2018/19 season against Leicester City. We take a look at the potential line-up that Mourinho will field against the Foxes.

Manchester United and Jose Mourinho will head into the Premier League this season looking to win their first title since 2012/13. The Red Devils are far from favourites but definitely stand a chance keeping in mind their fabulous killer instinct in mind.

They feature in the Premier League’s curtain raiser on Friday, August 10th at the Old Trafford. Claude Puel’s Leicester City will be the visiting team. With only the intention of getting three points in their heads, United’s predicted line-up is as follows-

DEFENCE

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The Red Devils had the best defence in last season’s Premier League that shipped only 28 goals throughout the season. Most of those shutouts were courtesy of David De Gea who will be a guaranteed starter in the United goal.

Ashley Young is back from holiday after featuring for England in the World Cup. He is expected to play as left back with Antonio Valencia set to deputize the right side of defence.

Despite a late defensive arrival tipped to land at the Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho should go with Eric Bailly and Phil Jones at central defence.

MIDFIELD

The midfield is one of most difficult choices for Jose Mourinho. Nemanja Matic is set to miss the match meaning Ander Herrera will play as defensive mid. Paul Pogba’s late arrival at training would not see him be match fit in all probability.

Fred, who has been the new midfield could make his debut in a three man midfield. There is a debut between Scott McTominay and Jesse Lingard starting as the third midfielder.

It looks like it will be the former considering that he has been with United’s squad since they started preparing for the new campaign.

ATTACK

The attacking players are available in Manchester United’s dugout. Former Barcelona and Arsenal signing Alexis Sanchez is expected to play on the left wing. He was absent from the World Cup and looked fresh in United’s friendlies.

Juan Mata, who was nothing short of impressive at the International Champions Cup could get the nod to start on the right wing. Romelu Lukaku reported late for training after his exploits with Belgium in the FIFA World Cup at Russia.

As a result, there’s a high chance that he may not have the fitness to play majority of the match. Hence, Marcus Rashford gets the nod while Lukaku is sure to appear, at the least as a substitute.

Manchester United’s players are in for a big slack if they fail to get anything less than three points from their Premier League opener. Jose Mourinho is already frustrated with the lack of transfers and attitudes of some of his players.

Next. Five reasons to believe Arsenal can win the Premier League. dark

Do you think this line-up will claim all three points in front of the Stretford End?

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