Maguire and Malacia start in predicted Manchester United line-up vs Melbourne Victory

Erik ten Hag must decide whether to stick or twist when selecting his Manchester United lineup for the preseason match against Melbourne Victory on Friday lunchtime, UK time (12pm start).

During the summer opener against key rivals Liverpool in Bangkok, manager Ten Hag went with experience, and his players delivered an eye-catching performance to clinch a 4-0 victory. Jadon Sancho, Fred, Anthony Martial, and Facundo Pellistri all found the back of the net.

With the game won, United turned to youth and gave opportunities to marginal players. But will they be the first to take the field at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground?

Due to a minor knock, retained captain Harry Maguire was not risked against Liverpool. The £80 million men, though, was photographed doing some shuttle runs at the Rajamangala Stadium, and Ten Hag deemed him fit when he sat down for his first pre-match press conference in Australia.

United will then play Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in Australia before concluding their campaign in Norway. Maguire returns to the starting lineup and will almost surely start in defense, although David de Gea is in doubt with Tom Heaton ready to deputize.

Ten Hag and United are still looking for a backup goalkeeper to replace Dean Henderson, who is on loan.

Tyrell Malacia, who made his debut off the bench in Thailand, might get his first start, with Luke Shaw anticipated making way, while Eric Bailly and Donny van de Beek are best placed to come into Ten Hag’s plans for the Friday match against A-League opponents.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1) anticipated lineup vs. Melbourne Victory: Heaton; Dalot, Maguire, Bailly, Malacia; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Van de Beek, Rashford; Martial.