Manchester United face Real Madrid on Thursday, in the fifth game of a busy pre-season for the Red Devils.
After wins over Leeds United and Lyon, Erik ten Hag’s men flew to the USA last week and kicked off with another victory, this time over Arsenal in New Jersey. United then fielded an Under-21 side on Wednesday and were beaten 3-1 by Wrexham, before the meeting with Real in Houston.
As the season approaches, Ten Hag will be keen to select the XI that most resembles the one he has in mind for the maiden match of the campaign on 14 August. He therefore is likely to hand Andre Onana a first appearance for United after the goalkeeper joined last week from Inter Milan in a deal for an initial £44m.
Onana wasn’t ready in time to face Arsenal last week but has since trained with his new team-mates and should be ready to go when United take on the 14-time European champions. Ten Hag will hope Onana can establish an early relationship with the United defence, with the same applying to Mason Mount in midfield.
However, Ten Hag will also be wary of fitness levels ahead of the campaign. Those not involved in June’s international fixtures have already played two extra matches in pre-season and should be sharper at this stage.
The United manager has tended to hand his outfield players just 45 minutes per game so far this summer, but those on their fourth match in July may be given closer to an hour against Real.
With all this in mind, here’s how United could line up when they take on Real…
1. GK: Andre Onana
In line for his first United appearance and has trained with his new team-mates this week.
2. RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Has started at right-back in the three games so far this summer, and ended last season ahead of Diogo Dalot in the pecking order.
3. CB: Raphael Varane
One of those who has played three games already and may possible get closer to an hour against his former side.
4. CB: Lisandro Martinez
Should retain his place alongside Varane at the heart of defence.