United internationals are now back in training however it is unknown to what extent they will play a part in the game against Lyon.
Erik ten Hag has suggested that it is unlikely most of the international returnees will play a part in the game.
Tom Heaton
Expect to see Tom Heaton filling in the sticks once more for United in Edinburgh. United have signed a new keeper in Onana however with the official announcement still pending and the game only two days away it is unlikely that he will feature. Heaton started in the last game against Leeds and looks to be the back up keeper to Onana for the following season. He is a veteran in goal and will bring an experienced head if called upon.
A. Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka was a part of last games 2-0 win against Leeds. Finishing last season as the starting RB for United it is all but nailed on for him to start again in this fixture. The English fall-back is known for his defensive capabilities and is set to be a key player in next season’s squad.
Raphael Varane (C)
Varane walked out with the captains armband against Leeds last week and with the internationals unlikely to play a part will lead the team out the tunnel again. Varane will be one of the first names on the teamsheet next season and has shown his qualities every time he puts the shirt on. The tall demanding CB has grown a solid partnership with his fellow centre half Lisandro Martinez.
Lisandro Martinez
Martinez captivated Old Trafford last season against the odds with his passionate and aggressive attitude. Ten Hag brought him over from Ajax and was repaid with quality performances week on week out. Martinez started against Leeds with Varane and will be set to do so again this week against Lyon.
Alvaro Fernandez
Playing in the latest preseason game, Fernandez knows he will need to step up his performance with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia set to come back into the squad after Lyon. United have an abundance of LB talent going into next season and Fernandez is among that talent, consequently he will need to look for another loan move this season or he will find himself third choice LB. After a good spell at Preston, putting a good shift in against Lyon may get him the move he deserves.
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo is clearly a player that Ten Hag fancies giving him many chances last year and starting him in the last game against Leeds. Mainoo looked like the deepest midfielder in that game and played fairly well. Ten Hag has made it clear that he will not just hand out chances to youth players if he does not see them at the level of the first team squad. This shows that Erik respects the talent that Mainoo possesses and where Mainoo’s future is next season remains to be seen. Links between Fred and McTominay potentially departing from Manchester this season may open up a window for Mainoo to become a squad player at United next season coming off the bench in many games.
Hannibal
Hannibal showed his class against Leeds, being extremely influential in the game. At loan at Birmingham last season and starting for his international team, Hannibal has shown his talents week in week out. A decision on if Hannibal is ready to break into the side next year will be made come the end of preseason however a Premier League loan may be what’s best for the young midfielder. Hannibal definitely showed enough quality in the last game to put his name in the hat for the next match against Lyon.
Mason Mount
Mount made his uncommunicative debut against Leeds last game and showed why Ten Hag made him a priority. He showed what you want in a preseason game. Energy, confidence and creativity. Not only did Mount look confident on the ball spraying it around the pitch however he also looked good in the press dispossessing Leeds multiple times during his 45 minute stint. His name will be the first on Erik’s starting 11 with the plan being to do so again during the season.
Amad Diallo
Diallo is most probably the player to keep an eye on this preseason. Coming off the back of a successful loan spell at Sunderland there is a potential gap for Amad to break into the squad next season. similar to the way Garnacho broke into the team if Amad shows his class across these first couple of games he may find himself as the backup left winger to Antony next year. He looked confident on the ball against Leeds and with the internationals rumoured to not come back into the squad against Lyon he will find himself back on the right wing.
Noam Emeran
Emeran came on for Diallo against Leeds and looked extremely bright both scoring and assisting in 45 minutes. Although it won’t be in the same position on the right, moving Emeran to the left will give him a starting opportunity against Lyon. Emeran will need to explore loan deals with United’s wide options being stacked. Allowing Emeran to play on the right wing against Lyon will allow him to prove to other clubs what he has to offer. Forson started on the left against Leeds however looked off the pace and inexperienced compared to the rest of United’s 11. Emeran is more up to the pace compared to Forson and allowing him to play alongside more experienced players will give him a better platform to flourish. Another option for the left wing is to bring Sancho to the left and put Hugill at striker.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho started as the 9 for United against Leeds. I would expect more of the same from Jadon filling in at striker again against Lyon. When the internationals return Sancho will find himself fighting for a place on the wing against Antony, Rashford, Garnacho and Amad. With Rashford and Garnacho basically holding down the left side it looks like it’ll be a shootout between Jadon and Amad for the spot behind Antony. This will be a huge deciding season for Jadon Sancho, if the performances do not come from him he will most likely be sold by the start of 24/25 season.
