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Predicted Man Utd line-up vs Nottingham Forest, Shaw and Maguire start

Manchester United return to Premier League action tonight against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils started the season in dismal fashion with back-to-back losses under manager Erik ten Hag but managed to pick up an impressive 26 points from the next 12 games before the World Cup.

They are currently within four points off fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with two games in hand and have an excellent chance to break into the Champions League places in the near future.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David de Gea has played every minute of the top-flight campaign and he is a confirmed starter between the sticks against Forest. The Spaniard was in exceptional form before the World Cup break with some outstanding saves and talks are now underway over a new long-term deal.

In defence, there could be two changes from the 2-0 win over Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Casemiro is likely to move to holding midfield with Harry Maguire available for selection following a bout of illness. He is set to partner Victor Lindelof in central defence. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have not trained yet.

Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on course for his first start of the league campaign with regular right-back Diogo Dalot nursing a hamstring injury. Luke Shaw should replace Tyrell Malacia at left-back. He featured off the bench last week, having had just one training session after the World Cup but should be ready to start against Forest.

In midfield, it should be the familiar duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. Scott McTominay got the nod in the number six role against the Clarets but he is expected to drop to the bench with Casemiro returning to his familiar position.

Further forward, Ten Hag could be tempted to stick with the same front four. Bruno Fernandes is a nailed-on starter in the number 10 slot. Marcus Rashford scored a stunning solo goal while playing from an unfamiliar right wing role for him.

Rashford should start in the same position ahead of Antony thus allowing Alejandro Garnacho to keep his place on the other flank. The Argentine has been a revelation this term. He scored a dramatic late league winner at Fulham before the World Cup.

Up front, Anthony Martial is set to start with no competition whatsoever. With Cristiano Ronaldo having been released from his contract, the Frenchman now has the position for himself until the club pursue a new striker from the transfer market.

How Man Utd could line up against Forest

Stats from Transfermarkt.com