Manchester United look to start their Premier League campaign on a high, with their first test being West Ham at Old Trafford. Playing in front of your fans is a morale booster for any team; but for United, they must recover from their blemishes of last season which included a horrible home record. Only 8 wins in 19 league games at home is a dismal record for a club of Manchester United’s stature.
Jose Mourinho will want a positive start to this season, and keep the momentum going for the rest of the season.
Here is how we can expect Manchester United to line up for their season opener.
Goalkeeper
De Gea
A straightforward one, David de Gea will retain his place in goal for the team’s domestic opener and will want to start with a clean sheet.
Defence:
Valencia
Antonio Valencia has made the RB position his own, over the course of the last two seasons and we can expect him to continue in the role he has enjoyed playing. With Manchester United linked heavily with Serge Aurier, Valencia needs a solid performance to prove that his position is not up for grabs.
Bailly
One of the best buys of last season, Eric Bailly will look to continue his stellar form into the new season. He is a guaranteed starter when fit. After being left out of the UEFA Super Cup due to suspension, he will be raring to go once again.
Jones
Pre-season saw Bailly and Jones being paired as CB’s on every occasion, proving that Jose sees them as an ideal partnership at the back. Also the fact that Lindelof has had a shaky start to his United career might give Jones more game-time than expected, provided he stays injury-free.
Darmian
Matteo Darmian is a great backup for the LB position, and with no one else who can compete with him, he’s sure to start the game against West Ham.
Read: Chicharito’s top 5 moments in a United shirt.
Matic
Nemanja Matic has enjoyed rave reviews for his performance against Real Madrid, and his 45-minute cameo against Sampdoria. He will surely be Jose’s main-man in the midfield and can expect to start against West Ham on Sunday.
Herrera
Ander Herrera had a night to forget in Macedonia, but that does not undermine the quality he brings to this United side. An enforcer in midfield, Jose will want him in the thick of things in United’s opener.
Pogba
The signing of Matic will free up Pogba from his defensive duties. This is his chance to seize the attacking initiative and prove that he’s worth the money after all.
Attack:
Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan had a bright start in the Super Cup fixture against Real Madrid, and may keep his place in the starting line up on Sunday.
Lukaku
Lukaku is the obvious choice for Jose Mourinho up top. Could he score on his first PL game for Manchester United?
Rashford
Many expected Rashford to start against Real Madrid. Lingard certainly didn’t help his case when given with the opportunity, and Jose might look to unleash Rashford’s pace and crossing ability on West Ham.
Expected line up: 4-3-3
