Having played two games already this pre season Manchester United are 2 for 2 beating Leeds and Lyon 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.
However, this will be their hardest test yet facing off against the runner ups in the Premier League last campaign, this will also see the return of the international reds. We could also see a debut for Andre Onana after he officially joined United on Thursday.
This will also be a new look Arsenal team from last season where we will more than likely see former United target Jurien Timber in the back line along with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the midfield. This will be Arsenal’s third game of their pre season as well having drawn with Nurnberg 1-1 in their first game and then going on to beat an MLS All Star team 5-0 that was managed by Ex-United Legend Wayne Rooney.
Andre Onana – A couple weeks after de Gea confirmed his farewell and some time after the initial links ten Hag finally got his man. There is a big question mark as to if he will start given the fact that he only signed 2 days prior, however he already knows the system and is already familiar with some of the player’s styles in this United side. Also, based off of how ten Hag was making Kovar and Heaton play in the first 2 matches we have been preparing for the signing of Onana already.
Diogo Dalot – It’s a toss up between Dalot or AWB as it has been since January, however AWB has played in the first 2 games already and Dalot is seen as the longer-term option, especially with Onana coming in then we need a full back 4 that is comfortable receiving the ball from the keeper in awkward positions at times.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez – This was the go-to centre back partnership over last season and has been our go to in Pre-Season as well. Both bring a level of composure on the ball and an assuredness off it. Varane likes to play simple and keep the game ticking all though we did see a few line breaking over the top balls vs Lyon, whilst Martinez is just an elite level progressive ball playing Centre Back. We will be looking to bring in someone to rival Varane if Maguire goes but this will be our go to partnership for at least another season.
Luke Shaw – Having previously used Fernandez and Williams at left back during Pre-Season it will be great to see Luke back. He was immense last season, and his technical ball ability and ball retention will be so key especially with Onana playing balls out to him, we’ve also missed his set piece delivery, with Malacia out injured he is really our only senior option, with Fernandez likely to come on at some point to replace him, more than likely during wholesale changes at half time.
