Manchester United play their penultimate pre-season friendly today against Atletico Madrid in Oslo, Norway.
The Red Devils had a good pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia with three wins and a frustrating draw over Aston Villa.
They were 2-0 ahead at the break against Steven Gerrard’s side, but were vulnerable defensively during the second half.
Manager Erik ten Hag was far from pleased by the debacle, and the Dutchman will expect a better showing at the Ullevaal Stadion.
United have travelled with only 21 players for the friendly, and some of those left out could start against Rayo Vallecano tomorrow.
Still, there is a fair indication that Ten Hag will pick his starting line-up for the season opener from the players that have travelled.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Expected line-up today:
David de Gea had a difficult outing in Perth last time around. He was rounded by Leon Bailey on one occasion, but Harry Maguire made a terrific block to deny a goal.
Right at the end, he was spotting ducking for Calum Chambers’ headed equaliser for Villa. Questions have already been raised over his potential weakness in making high claims, but he is expected to start in goal today.
The backline could see a solitary change. Luke Shaw has been left out of the travelling squad to Oslo, which could be a big hint that Tyrell Malacia is now above him in the pecking order for the left-back spot.
Diogo Dalot should continue in the right-back position once again. New centre-back Lisandro Martinez featured in the midweek indoors friendly against Wrexham.
He could get another run-out in the second half, but may probably start against Rayo tomorrow. Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are set to feature in central defence.
Raphael Varane played the full 90 minutes against Wrexham, and may have been left out of the squad as a result. The Frenchman only recently returned from a minor injury.
In midfield, Fred should be accompanied by Scott McTominay, who missed the Villa game with a knock. Donny van de Beek did not do himself any favours with a poor showing versus Villa.
Christian Eriksen scored in his friendly debut against Wrexham with a free-kick. The Dane could replace McTominay after the break with a view to starting tomorrow’s friendly.
Further forward, no changes are expected. Bruno Fernandes is assured of his number 10 role with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford featuring in the wide positions again.
Cristiano Ronaldo has himself confirmed that he will play against Rayo, but Anthony Martial looks set to start against Brighton on August 7.
The Frenchman has three pre-season goals to his name, and will be aiming to add to that tally against Diego Simeone’s side later today.
How Man Utd are expected to line up vs Atletico Madrid
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
