Manchester United Predicted starting XI vs Man City; confirmed team news and injury latest for Community Shield

Manchester United Predicted starting XI vs Man City; confirmed team news and injury latest for Community Shield

A handful of injury upgrades for Erik ten Hag’s defense are anticipated before Manchester United plays Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Even though the outcome of the customary season opener rarely bodes well for long-term success, a trophy and bragging rights about the Manchester derby are at stake on Saturday at Wembley. Leny Yoro will miss out due to surgery for a foot issue, as Man Utd already know.

Jonny Evans was pulled off due to sickness last weekend, and Harry Maguire sat out the friendly loss to Liverpool as a precaution and is still doubtful. Victor Lindelof, Will Fish, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were also benched after receiving more criticism.

Fortunately for Ten Hag, reinforcements arrived on Monday in the form of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Facundo Pellistri and Lisandro Martinez from extended breaks after their respective Euro 2024 and Copa America campaigns.

Shaw’s will be checked, though Martinez will likely be involved.

“Harry Maguire missed the [Liverpool] game, was a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday,” said Ten Hag on Thursday.

“So we have training, we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available. Victor [Lindelof] played but also he’s a question mark and also Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] and Luke Shaw are both question marks, we have to assess them tomorrow.”

Rasmus Hojlund is a confirmed absentee due to a hamstring injury so new No11 Joshua Zirkzee could make his debut from the start. Jadon Sancho has been tested as a central forward in pre-season but to little effect.

Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot only began training last week but are likely to feature.

Predicted Man Utd XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee

Injuries: Yoro, Hojlund

Doubts: Lindelof, Maguire, Evans, Wan-Bissaka, Fish

Time and date: 3pm BST, Saturday August 10, 2024

Venue: Wembley