Erik ten Hag 'not focused on Manchester City result' as Manchester Utd player backed for surprise departure

Lee Sharpe has suggested Erik ten Hag will not be handing over one of Manchester United's pre-season stars, Amad, for their 2024/25 season opener against Manchester City on Saturday. The Manchester rivals are set to meet at Wembley Stadium in the Community Shield, less than three months after contesting a thrilling FA Cup final.

While the Community Shield is seen by many as the final pre-season outing for both clubs involved, Ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to win a third trophy in as many years.

But he faces a serious selection headache under the famous arch due to the staggered nature of his team's return from vacation following their participation in Euro 2024 and the Copa America.

Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri and Joshua Zirkzee did not participate in the United States tour.

They reported to Carrington earlier in August and were only recently reunited with their team-mates, but all eight stars have travelled to London and will be in the squad.

Sharpe does not believe Mainoo will be ready to start in midfield straight away, but the former United winger has backed Ten Hag to bring in Garnacho despite his lack of match sharpness compared to the Dutchman's other options.

“I think there will probably be a few young players. I think Yoro is obviously injured and out. I don't think it will be far off what ended the FA Cup final,” Sharpe told Express Sport.

“I think you'll have Rashford, I think you'll have Garnacho, Mainoo probably won't start because he hasn't been back for quite a while. Casemiro will start.

“I think Shaw lacks some liveliness in the game, so maybe the young lad [Harry Amass] in the left rear. Maybe Dalot in the right rear.”

Garnacho started 38 consecutive games at the end of last season and made 50 appearances throughout the campaign, the most of any outfield player alongside Dalot.

But Ten Hag has positioned Amad for a breakout season, while Antony, Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri provide competition on the right side of his attack.

Sharpe also played on the friendly narrative, saying Ten Hag will be more focused on preparing his senior squad members for next Friday's Premier League opener against Fulham than on lifting trophies.

He added: “I think he will focus more on players getting game time than getting a result.

“He won't want to be beaten 5-0, of course, but he will be looking to give players game time rather than looking for a winning team like the one he picks a week later.”

Express Sport's predicted XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.