Man Utd predicted XI to play Everton - as Erik ten Hag hints at two major changes

Erik ten Hag may decide to drop Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho from the Manchester United starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton.

The duo have been replaced in both of the Red Devils’ two games since returning from the recent international break, with Thursday’s displays in the 3-2 win over Omonia Nicosia particularly disappointing.

Both players were withdrawn at the break as United trailed 1-0 in Cyprus, and their replacements, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford, impressed as the Red Devils came from a goal down to win in the Europa League.

It’s likely they’ll come into the starting XI for Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park, with Anthony Martial also an option to start.

The Frenchman has scored three goals in less than an hour of football over the last week, with impressive displays off the bench against Manchester City and Omonia.

His return to the side could see Cristiano Ronaldo drop out of the team after a disappointing display in midweek which saw him spurn a late chance from just a few yards out.

Another dilemma for Ten Hag will be whether to stick with Casemiro in midfield or reinstate Scott McTominay to the team. The latter dropped to the bench on Thursday and also had a tough afternoon at the Etihad last weekend.

One of the pair will likely start alongside Christian Eriksen in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes playing expected in an advanced area despite an underwhelming sequence of performances from the No.18.

In defence, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are not expected to be fit for the game against Everton, meaning Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez should start at centre-back.

Asked for a fitness update on his squad ahead on his squad ahead of the game, Ten Hag said: “It’s difficult to say. Varane makes progress and I hope he’s available, but I think it will be close.

“From the other players, Harry Maguire [is] not [available]. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek both [aren’t available].”

Ten Hag may well consider rotating his team this weekend, with United facing a hectic fixture schedule in October, although next week’s home game against Omonia looks a more likely opportunity to rest players ahead of games against Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Here’s how we think United may line up this weekend for the game against Frank Lampard’s men.

Manchester United predicted XI: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.