Manchester United travel to Bramall Lane on Saturday evening to face Sheffield United, looking for successive Premier League wins for the first time this season.
The Red Devils have endured a tough 2023/24 campaign so far, losing six of their ten games across all competitions. However, they went into the international break on a high after a memorable 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford at Old Trafford, and Erik ten Hag will hope that result kickstarts his team’s campaign.
Despite newcomers Sheffield United managing just one point from their opening eight fixtures, Ten Hag knows there are no easy games in the Premier League and will want his team to avoid complacency when facing them in South Yorkshire.
Manchester United Team News
Casemiro has been ruled out of Man United’s trip to Sheffield United, with the defensive midfielder sustaining a knock on international duty with Brazil. But there is positive news for Ten Hag as he welcomes defenders Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane back from injury, while Sofyan Amrabat is also available for selection, regardless of the midfielder missing both of Morocco’s games in the recent international break.
The Red Devils still remain without the services of Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but Kobbie Mainoo has been pictured back in group training after three months on the sidelines.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Sheffield United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana has had a poor start to life at Man United. He has made errors and conceded cheap goals, which has undoubtedly attracted criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, Ten Hag is fully behind the Cameroonian shot-stopper and expects him to get back his lost mojo.
Defence
The return of Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon from injury is a massive boost to the visitors, and the duo should walk straight back into Ten Hag’s starting XI on Saturday. Varane is expected to partner Harry Maguire in central defence, while Reguilon starts at left-back against the Blades.
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot is a surefire starter at right-back with Wan-Bissaka still on the sidelines. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans must provide cover for defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
With Casemiro ruled out with a foot problem, the ideal candidate to replace the Brazilian appears to be Sofyan Amrabat. A defensive midfielder by trade, Amrabat will sit in front of the back four, break up opposition attacks and set the tempo of the game for the Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes had an excellent international break with Portugal, and he will want to transform that form over to his club performances. He and Mason Mount will operate as the No.8s, hoping to provide the creative spark and energy to unlock the Sheffield United rearguard.
Despite his heroics in extra-time against Brentford before the international break, Scott McTominay must settle for a spot on the bench again.
Attack
Rasmus Hojlund should spearhead Man United’s attack again, with Antony and Marcus Rashford on either side of the Dane.
Rashford had a positive international break with England, scoring a fantastic goal against Italy in a Euro 2024 qualifier, and he will head into the game at Bramall Lane raring to get on the scoresheet again. Antony, on the other hand, will look to cause problems for the hosts’ defence with his movement and dribbling skills.
Anthony Martial, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellestri will be hoping to make an impact against the Blades if called upon by the United boss.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.