£35m transfer hole, absent stars – How Man United may line up in Community Shield vs Man City

There are fewer than fourteen days remaining till Manchester United and Manchester City compete in the Community Shield at Wembley. The annual season opener is a rematch of the FA Cup final, in which United emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline against their arch-rivals in May.

City, having won the Premier League, and United, having emerged victors in the FA Cup, will now face each other in the Community Shield. Erik ten Hag will be aiming to secure another trophy for the team. United’s most recent victory in the competition occurred in 2016, when they defeated Leicester 2-1 with a decisive goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Despite the fact that only two months have passed since the FA Cup final, the lineup of the United team that played at Wembley could undergo significant changes this time. However, there is one position that is firmly secured, and that is the goalkeeper position, as Andre Onana is expected to retain his status as the first-choice goalkeeper for this season.

Transitioning to the rear position, there is a possibility of alterations. Diogo Dalot, who played in the FA Cup final, has not yet returned for pre-season training because he is participating in Euro 2024. As a result, Aaron Wan-Bissaka might be given an opportunity. This considers the possibility of Wan-Bissaka still being at Old Trafford despite West Ham’s interest.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were initially selected as the central defensive duo for the FA Cup final, although it is probable that neither of them will participate. Varane has left the club since his contract has expired, while Martinez is now on vacation after winning the Copa America with Argentina. A potential collaboration between the newly acquired £52 million player Leny Yoro and either Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, or Harry Maguire is a possibility.

United faced difficulties in the left-back position last season due to injuries and conditioning problems with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. Despite Shaw’s participation at Euro 2024 with England, he, along with Martinez and Dalot, has not resumed pre-season training and may potentially be absent for the Community Shield. Regarding Malacia, it appears unlikely that he will be physically able to participate in any capacity against City. Ten Hag is faced with a significant predicament. He has the option to either deploy Lindelof in that position or elevate a graduate from the academy to the starting lineup. Additionally, signing another left-back is a viable alternative. Ferdi Kadioglu is a highly regarded individual who has been associated with the team and would seamlessly integrate into their lineup, given his impressive performances for Fenerbahce and Turkey. Additionally, Sam Murray commenced both of the pre-season friendly matches against Rosenborg and Rangers.

United might enhance their midfield more. Uncertainty remains around Kobbie Mainoo’s availability to play against City following the conclusion of the Euros. However, if he does participate, he will assume one of the two defensive midfield positions. If he is unable to participate, Ten Hag might consider starting two of Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, or Casemiro. There have been rumours connecting Manuel Ugarte with a transfer to Manchester United during the upcoming summer. If he were to join the team at Old Trafford, he could perhaps address the significant deficiency in midfield, where they now lack both skill and physical stamina.

Bruno Fernandes may potentially be in front of them, although he has not yet resumed training after Euro 2024. If he fails to succeed, Ten Hag will probably give another opportunity to Mason Mount, who occupied that position during the 2-0 victory against Rangers. Jadon Sancho and Amad are probable candidates for the winger positions, while Alejandro Garnacho has not yet joined the pre-season training. Antony may be a substitute. If Marcus Rashford is considered sufficiently fit, he will be actively seeking to be included in the starting lineup.