Key player returns back from international break,New signings debut”, predicted Manchester United XI vs Rangers as Ten Hag set to appease fans with Massive victory
Manchester United’s pre-season began on a disappointing note as a youthful and largely inexperienced senior squad suffered a 0-1 defeat against Rosenborg in Norway. This match featured only five first-team players: Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Jonny Evans, with Rashford being the only regular starter.
Given the lack of key players and the fact that Rosenborg is in the midst of their league season, a disjointed performance was to be expected. As the pre-season progresses, more players will return from their extended holidays, having been involved in international duties. The outlook is already more promising for their next game against Rangers on July 20. Here are five players expected to rejoin the team for the match in Scotland:
**Scott McTominay**
Manchester United has confirmed that McTominay will return to the squad on July 17. Having trained for two days, he is likely to feature in the game against Rangers. McTominay’s national team, Scotland, was eliminated from the Euros in the group stages, resulting in a shorter holiday for him compared to teammates whose nations progressed further. Eager to impress in his home country, McTominay will be motivated to prove his worth again, especially with new midfield reinforcements being targeted in the transfer window.
**Harry Maguire**
Like McTominay, Maguire is also on a mission to re-establish himself in the team. Both players were nearly sold to West Ham United last season but made significant comebacks, demonstrating their importance to the squad. Maguire has been working hard to recover from an injury that kept him out of the Euros. After undergoing intense fitness sessions at Carrington, he appears ready to return, with 45 minutes of play likely as he eases back into action.
**Jadon Sancho**
Sancho’s return is highly anticipated, making the game against Rangers a must-watch. The decision to reintegrate Sancho has divided fans, but with no suitable transfer offers, United decided to retain him. Both the club and Sancho have shown professionalism in moving forward. His reintegration into the squad will begin against Rangers after following an individual fitness regime. How manager Erik ten Hag uses Sancho might also hint at the club’s transfer plans, as he was utilized as a False 9 in last year’s pre-season.
**Andre Onana**
Onana’s exclusion from the squad against Rosenborg was unexpected, as he joined Sancho in the individual fitness group. In his absence, Radek Vitek delivered a stellar goalkeeping performance to minimize damage. However, as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, Onana is expected to play 45 minutes against Rangers, with Vitek covering the other half. Observing the influence of new goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar on Onana’s style will be intriguing.
**Antony**
The final spot was a toss-up between Antony and Amad, both of whom missed the Rosenborg match to focus on fitness. It’s possible that both might return and share 45 minutes each against Rangers. With competition for the right-wing position primarily between these two, Antony, generally the preferred choice, seems more likely to start. This return will likely end the experiment with young wingers like Ethan Williams and Ethan Ennis, who filled in against Rosenborg. Sancho’s return will further reduce opportunities for youth prospects out wide.
As the pre-season continues, Manchester United fans can expect to see a stronger and more cohesive team, bolstered by the return of these key players. The upcoming match against Rangers will provide a better indication of the squad’s potential and readiness for the season ahead.