Manchester United will be hopeful Erik ten Hag can get off to a winning start against Brighton in the season opener.
Manchester United’s first Premier League game of the 2022/23 season will be at home against Brighton & Hove Albion. Erik ten Hag’s first managerial test in England will take place in front of the Old Trafford faithful, which seems suitable.
United was defeated 4-0 by Brighton in their most recent match, highlighting both the team’s vulnerabilities under Ralf Rangnick and how well Graham Potter had prepared his team. Fans will be hoping that Ten Hag can rapidly bring his team to a similar degree of tactical acumen.
Tactics will most certainly be worked out later, but most United fans will be thinking about what Ten Hag’s starting XI will look like. So, with some prospective additions in mind, let’s take a look at how the team could line up in the first encounter of the season.
– David de Gea With the Manchester Evening News reporting that United are in talks to loan Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the season, De Gea is the club’s only starting goalie. Ten Hag made a simple decision, but fans will have to wait and see if the Spanish shot-stopper can adapt to the Dutchman’s brand of game.
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Denzel Dumfries – The first signing in the eleven, but it is evident that United wants to strengthen at right-back, and Dumfries might be the man to do it. According to reports in Italy, Inter Milan would be willing to sell the player for roughly €30 million this summer, and he would be an upgrade above any of the club’s other alternatives going forward.
Harry Maguire – Despite a poor season in 2021/22, Maguire still has a lot to give United and is the club’s best ball-playing center-back. The English defender is expected to regain his finest form under Ten Hag and in a more stable system.
Raphael Varane – Whether the French defender has fully recovered from his hamstring injury suffered during the international break this summer in time for a strong pre-season is debatable. United didn’t see the best of the former Real Madrid defender last season, but they’re hoping he can make a difference this season.
Luke Shaw – Shaw provides versatility and has demonstrated over the previous several seasons that he is the club’s most progressive player, which will be required if the Dutchman’s side is to effectively build from the back.
Ibrahim Sangare – The second signing on the list; United has needed a defensive midfielder for years, and Sky Sports has connected the 24-year-old Ivorian with a move to Old Trafford. If the club allows him to leave, he will hopefully create a powerful pivot with the next name in the starting XI.
Frenkie de Jong – De Jong is Ten Hag’s top target, and while Barcelona is stalling on a price, numerous sites have stated that United is attempting to finalize a deal. The Dutchman would be an improvement in possession over the club’s current midfield options.
Bruno Fernandes – On his day, United’s best player, and ideally in a more structured system, he’ll be able to cut out his maddening tendency to force opportunities.
Jadon Sancho – The £73 million wingers did not light up the globe last season, but he is United’s future. Ten Hag will hopefully be able to get the most out of the youngster and help him deliver on the skill and promise he demonstrated at Borussia Dortmund.
Cristiano Ronaldo – The only natural striker United has is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mike Verweij said that United was prepared to initiate talks with Ajax to reunite Antony with Ten Hag at Old Trafford. The Brazilian is a clever winger who would provide vitality to United’s right-wing. He is also left-footed, which allows him to efficiently cut in.
