Man United had a pretty solid summer transfer window but just like the previous campaign, the Red Devils have made a very average start to their 23/24 Premier League campaign. They somehow stumbled to a 1-0 win over Wolves at the opening weekend but on Sunday, they were humiliated by Spurs, away from home.
Erik ten Hag and his players will be eager to get things back on track this weekend when they face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Forest looked really bright and positive against Arsenal despite losing that match in gameweek one but last weekend, they went out and secured a 2-1 win over Sheffield United. On paper, Man United are the favourites to win this encounter but Forest know very well that they have what it takes to rattle this underconfident United side.
The Manchester United manager has been properly backed by the management in the market so he has no room for excuse right now. He will now have to get things right in terms of his selection and playing style because if he can’t set up his brand of football within the next few months then his job will surely be in danger.
Manchester United’s team news and injuries:
The defensive line should remain unchanged on Saturday but there’s a slight chance that Diogo Dalot could come into the starting line up, in place of Wan-Bissaka.
Last season, Casemiro was one of the top players for Man United but this campaign, he finally looks like the ageing player whom Real Madrid had dumped very smartly. Ten Hag is in desperate need of another defensive midfielder but until he gets one, the Man United manager has no other option but to keep using Casemiro.
Mason Mount is yet to make a mark for his new team but it’s just been two matches so we are sure the England international will come good and adapt perfectly under ETH.
Garnacho was wonderful last season which is why his manager has pushed him up the pecking order this time around but the Argentine has been really underwhelming. Many pundits have suggested that the youngster is used as an impact sub and after seeing his performances in the first two matchweeks we think Ten Hag is going to push Garnacho to the bench this weekend.
Jadon Sancho has been coming off the bench but against Forest, Sancho is likely to come into the starting line up, replacing Garnacho on the left flank.
Rasmus Højlund is out with a back injury and as per the reports, the summer signing is only going to return some time next month. This leaves Marcus Rashford as the only top contender for the centre-forward’s role and even though the England international does not like playing through the middle but until Højlund returns, Rashford has to keep playing up front.
Earlier this week, Mason Mount was ruled out with an injury and as per reports, the midfielder will be out for a couple of weeks. Now, to make things even more complicated, the club has confirmed that left-back Luke Shaw has also picked up a muscle injury and will be unavailable for a few weeks. This is a massive headache for the Forest game because Malacia is already ruled out with an injury and if he is not ready in time then Diogo Dalot will have to play out of position on Saturday.
Man United predicted line up vs Nottingham Forest:
Predicted Starting Line up(4-2-3-1): Onana; Martinez, Varane, AWB, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen/McTominay; Fernandes, Antony, Sancho/Garnacho; Rashford.
