Erik ten Hag will get a first glimpse of his pre-season squad in action when Manchester United face Leeds United in Oslo this afternoon. The Red Devils have travelled to Norway to kick-start their preparations for the new campaign, with Mason Mount in line for his unofficial debut.
Ten Hag has taken a 26-man squad overseas to face United’s bitter rivals, relegated from the Premier League last season and under the new management of Daniel Farke.
However, Dean Henderson, Donny van de Beek, Antony and Anthony Martial were notable absentees on the plane.
Express Sport runs through how Ten Hag’s first pre-season line-up could look like – for the first half, anyway – against Leeds.
Goalkeeper – Heaton
With Henderson at home and David de Gea no longer a United player, step up Tom Heaton, who has had an exit blocked already this summer.
The 37-year-old is the only remaining member of Ten Hag’s squad who has won a Premier League with United and could be second-choice next term.
Nathan Bishop and Matej Kovar have also travelled.
Defence – Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Williams
Three-quarters of United’s first-choice defence is available for selection at the start of pre-season in a considerable boost to Ten Hag’s preparations.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka may start at right-back, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez reuniting at the heart of the back line after the latter’s recovery from foot surgery.
Brandon Williams is in the shop window this summer but may start at left-back as he fights for his United future.
Young quartet Alvaro Fernandez, Marc Jurado, Rhys Bennett and Will Fish will all likely get some minutes.
Midfield – Savage, Fred, Mount
Ten Hag’s midfield options heavily feature U21 or returning loanees, which should make for interesting viewing.
Charlie Savage impressed supporters in pre-season last year and will attempt to catch the eye again in Oslo.
Fred is expected to depart United this summer, but he should play from the off as one of Ten Hag’s regulars last term.
Mount looks set for his first appearance in Manchester red after completing a £60million move from Chelsea.
Hannibal, Kobbie Mainoo, Maxi Oyedele, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Dan Gore and Toby Collyer are Ten Hag’s other options.
Attack – Amad, Sancho, Hugill
Ten Hag is bound to mix and match with his attack, also heavily filled with youth.
Amad is expected to feature as United decide whether to loan him out again after a successful spell at Sunderland.
Jadon Sancho should start on the opposite flank ahead of a make-or-break season at Old Trafford.
Joe Hugill could start as the striker. Noam Emeram, Omari Forson and Shola Shoretire are all in attacking contention.
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