Man Utd predicted line-up vs Bayern Munich as Erik ten Hag tipped to make big tactical switch - gallery

Erik ten Hag will have to decide whether to stick with his diamond middle shape or revert to his preferred 4-3-3 system, for the Champions League trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Manchester United played with four central midfielders in Saturday’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Red Devils failing to impress following the tactical switch. It was a change brought upon Ten Hag by the lack of options in the wide areas, with Jadon Sancho and Antony both unavailable for the foreseeable future.

However, United do have Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri to call upon if they opt to return to a 4-3-3 shape. If Ten Hag decides to stick with the four-man diamond, he will most probably stick with Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Christian Erisken and Bruno Fernandes, who were selected against Brighton.

Elsewhere, United suffered another two injury blows this week, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka ruled out for several weeks following the problem he picked up at the end of the Brighton encounter. It was also confirmed on Tuesday that Harry Maguire won’t be involved against Bayern due to a slight knock.

The pair join Raphael Varane and Mason Mount on the sidelines, although both were back in training on Tuesday. Sofyan Amrabat and Kobbie Mainoo were also at Carrington but were training away from the rest of the group, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Amad are longer-term issues. Donny van de Beek is the final absentee after he wasn’t named in the club’s Champions League squad.

It means United were forced to name a 21-man travelling party for the journey to Germany, with four goalkeepers also included in the squad.

With all that in mind, here’s how we think United will line up for the Champions League opener…