Zirkzee debut, Maguire Starts”, Wa¥ch Man united vs Man city|Community shield| let’s go boys we can win this

Manchester United will face their fierce rivals, Manchester City, in the highly anticipated Community Shield clash at Wembley Stadium today. This match marks the first significant encounter of the season for both clubs, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense showdown.

United’s pre-season performance has been somewhat inconsistent, securing only two victories out of five friendly matches. This uneven form has been compounded by a string of injuries affecting key players in the squad, presenting challenges for manager Erik ten Hag as he prepares for this crucial fixture.

Among the injured, Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Additionally, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Luke Shaw are doubtful for the derby, potentially leaving gaps in United’s defense. Tyrell Malacia, who recently underwent knee surgery, remains a long-term absentee, further depleting the defensive options.

However, United has received a glimmer of good news with Harry Maguire’s return to fitness following a minor knock. The experienced defender is likely to start alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defense, providing much-needed stability at the back. Manager Erik ten Hag may look to freshen up the squad, possibly making up to six changes from the lineup that triumphed over City in the FA Cup final in May.

The formation that ten Hag is likely to employ is a 4-2-3-1, which has served United well in the past. Here’s a predicted lineup:

**Goalkeeper:** Andre Onana, who firmly established himself as United’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, is expected to start between the posts. Onana missed only one game last season due to international commitments, and his outstanding performance in the FA Cup final against City, where he made several crucial saves, suggests he is ready to replicate that form in this match.

**Defense:** With Wan-Bissaka out, Diogo Dalot is likely to fill the right-back position. In central defense, Maguire and Martinez will probably form the defensive partnership, with Jonny Evans as a potential substitute in the latter stages of the match. On the left, with Shaw absent from the squad, 17-year-old Harry Amass is set to make his first-team debut. Amass impressed during the pre-season tour in the United States, but this match will undoubtedly pose a much sterner challenge.

**Midfield:** Casemiro is expected to anchor the midfield in the number six role, despite a below-par showing against Liverpool last week. The Brazilian midfielder has had a full pre-season to find his form, and his experience will be crucial in dictating play from deep. Kobbie Mainoo, who frequently partnered with Casemiro in midfield towards the end of last season, has just returned to training and might make an appearance off the bench. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, who had a strong pre-season showing in the United States, is anticipated to start in the number eight role, providing creativity and drive from midfield.

**Attack:** Bruno Fernandes is set to captain the side from his preferred number 10 position. Fernandes is the creative heartbeat of the team, and his influential performance in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over City will be something he looks to replicate. On the wings, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford are likely to start, with Rashford on the left and Diallo on the right. Although Alejandro Garnacho joined the pre-season late due to his involvement in the Copa America, he is expected to be more prominently featured in United’s league opener against Fulham.

**Forward:** Jadon Sancho is predicted to lead the line for United, a role that manager ten Hag seems to favor for him at this moment. While Joshua Zirkzee has recently joined the club, he may need more time to adapt, and ten Hag’s recent comments suggest that Sancho is currently seen as the more suitable option to spearhead the attack.

In summary, Manchester United, despite the injury setbacks, are gearing up for a tough contest against Manchester City. With a blend of experience and youth, Erik ten Hag will hope that his chosen lineup can rise to the occasion and secure the Community Shield, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.