Erik ten Hag explains new Manchester United formation for Fulham fixture as new signing makes debut

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United have been ‘working a lot’ on playing in a 4-2-2-2 formation ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday night.

United kickstart their campaign at Old Trafford, with summer signing Noussair Mazraoui making his debut in defence. Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee are on the bench, while Jadon Sancho has not been named in the matchday squad.

It means United have made one change from their Community Shield clash with Man City, with Mazraoui replacing Jonny Evans in defence, while Marcus Rashford starts ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in attack.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag was quizzed on his selection and why he was persisting with the formation he trialled at times last season.

"We worked a lot on this. We started it already last season. It's very good for us,” he told Sky Sports. “We are ready. We are excited, coming for the new season. You want to have a good start to build a good foundation for the rest of the season. Everyone knows not everything will be 100%, that is impossible. But you have to deal with it and get the win.”

It remains to be seen whether Mazraoui will start at right-back or left-back against Fulham, though Ten Hag is confident he will be able to make a positive contribution on his debut.

He added: “His first job is to close the wide areas. he is good at this. He is a good defender. he is quick, good agility, but also he can contribute to our build-up and attacking game.”