Manchester United start their Premier League campaign against newly promoted Hull City on the road this afternoon.
The Red Devils ended the previous season on a high note with a third-place league finish, ahead of Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Michael Carrick was rewarded the permanent managerial role as a result, and the onus should be on faring even better this term.
Ahead of today’s encounter, Carrick could make a couple of changes from the 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in the final pre-season friendly.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Senne Lammens was United’s undisputed choice in goal last season after his debut in October.
The Belgian had a tough World Cup with a high-profile error against Spain in the quarter-final, and he will be eager to begin the new campaign on a positive note.
The backline could see one change from the loss to the Rossoneri.
Diogo Dalot is the regular right-back for the Red Devils and should replace Noussair Mazraoui. Luke Shaw started every league game at left-back last season, and he is a nailed-on starter.
Harry Maguire will most likely partner Ayden Heaven in the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.
Lisandro Martinez has had just 29 minutes of pre-season after suffering a minor injury during the World Cup final. The Argentine could be eased back into action off the bench. Matthijs de Ligt, on the other hand, may need more time to return after back surgery.
In central midfield, summer signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos should be frontrunners to start.
Mason Mount had a bright pre-season before an untimely knock against Paris Saint-Germain. He is almost back to full fitness, but he may not start after his recent break.
Similarly, Kobbie Mainoo may have to wait a few games to regain match sharpness, having returned late after the World Cup with England, who secured third place ahead of France.
In the final third, captain Bruno Fernandes is assured to continue in the number 10 role. He broke the Premier League assist record with 21 last term, and will want to continue from where he left off.
Amad Diallo had a mixed pre-season on the right wing, but should still start, with Bryan Mbeumo likely to lead the line for the club. Regular striker Benjamin Sesko has just returned to first-team training after a shin injury, while Joshua Zirkzee may not be preferred up front from the off.
Mbeumo scored as a number nine in his final two games of the previous league season. He had a lively summer with four goal contributions in friendlies, and could have a big campaign ahead.
On the left wing, Carrick should lean towards Matheus Cunha over Patrick Dorgu and Marcus Rashford. Cunha scored seven goals as a left winger last term, and will be aiming to fare much better.
How Man Utd could line up vs Hull
Stats from Transfermarkt.com