Manchester United team news: Predicted XI against Man City as Erik ten Hag makes two exciting debuts

Manchester United open their season against Manchester City this afternoon in the Community Shield, while Wembley hosts a rematch of May's FA Cup final. Erik ten Hag is aiming for a third trophy in as many years ahead of a crucial campaign, where improvements at all levels will be required.

Both teams will have big names absent, with United suffering persistent defensive injuries and some of City's stars due to return from holiday next week.

Express Sport he reviews (or estimates) how Ten Hag will line up for his team's final game before the Premier League kicks off next Friday.

Goalkeeper – Onana

Andre Onana started all but one game in his first season as United goalkeeper and was important throughout pre-season.

The Cameroon international has hinted at adopting a riskier style of play in his second campaign at Old Trafford but he must improve in other areas too.

Defense – Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass

Diogo Dalot made his summer return to Carrington. However, Ten Hag has confirmed that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt for the City clash, and Dalot will remain his first-choice right-back.

At left-back, the Dutchman also suggested Luke Shaw would not be involved at Wembley, having started pre-season training a few days ago.

Harry Amass, 17, could become United's 251st academy graduate after racking up plenty of pre-season minutes.

With Leny Yoro out for three months and Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof doubtful for this weekend, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans are Ten Hag's only available centre-backs.

Midfield – Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes

Casemiro appears set to stay at Old Trafford due to a lack of interest, and he has started all five of United's pre-season games.

Kobbie Mainoo will remain a crucial part of Ten Hag's midfield after a remarkable year for club and country, and he could be handed his first minutes of the campaign from the start.

But if he is rather withdrawn, Mason Mount or Scott McTominay could partner Casemiro behind Bruno Fernandes.

The United captain is among the players who did not take part in pre-season after featuring at Euro 2024, but he can be counted on from the first to the last minute of the 2024/25 season.

Attack – Amad, Rashford, Zirkzee

Ten Hag has something of a selection headache on the right of his attack between Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Facundo Pellistri.

Amad has been one of the stars of United's pre-season preparations, and his manager has backed him to enjoy an impressive campaign.

Marcus Rashford is expected to start on the left flank after playing a key role in the team's preparations, and Ten Hag is also confident his luck will improve significantly in the coming months.

With Rasmus Hojlund out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, new £36.5million signing Joshua Zirkzee is set to make his first United start.