4-2-3-1 Man United’s predicted line up vs Man City – Community Shield: Zirkzee and Amad start but 4 defenders out injured?

The Premier League season is set to kick off later this month, but before that, there’s a highly anticipated curtain-raiser this weekend as Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side takes on Manchester City at Wembley in the Community Shield.

Unlike previous transfer windows, Manchester United has significantly ramped up their efforts this summer, securing some key signings with minimal fuss. However, there’s still work to be done, and more signings are expected before the month ends.

While the outcome of this Saturday’s Manchester Derby in the Community Shield might not carry much weight, for Ten Hag, it presents a valuable opportunity to test and refine his tactics ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Manchester United Team News for the Community Shield:

Last season, Ten Hag was plagued by injuries, and unfortunately, the situation hasn’t improved much. Manchester United will be missing some key players this weekend, including Rasmus Hojlund and summer signing Leny Yoro, who are both sidelined with injuries.

Yoro is expected to be out for about three months, and to add to the challenges, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw are all doubtful for the weekend clash.

“Harry Maguire missed the game [against Liverpool last weekend] as a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday,” Ten Hag mentioned, as reported by The Guardian.

“We have training, and we need to assess whether he’s fit enough to be available. Victor played but is also a question mark, and Azza [Wan-Bissaka] and Luke Shaw are both question marks – we need to assess them tomorrow.”

With the defense weakened by injuries, Ten Hag may have to deploy Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez as the central defensive pair, with young Harry Amass potentially stepping in at left-back.

Kobbie Mainoo joined the training camp later than others, so he may not be fit enough to play the full 90 minutes. However, he is expected to start alongside Casemiro in central midfield, with Mason Mount likely to replace him after about 60 minutes.

Alejandro Garnacho, who had an extended break due to international duties, is expected to start on the bench. Amad Diallo, who has been in excellent form during pre-season, should get the nod to start, as it would be unfair to keep him on the bench.

With Hojlund injured, summer signing Joshua Zirkzee is expected to lead the line. Although Ten Hag has suggested that Jadon Sancho or even Bruno Fernandes could play as the centre-forward, it’s anticipated that Zirkzee will take on the role.

Predicted Manchester United Line-Up vs. Manchester City – Community Shield:

– **Goalkeeper**: Onana.

– **Defenders**: Evans, Dalot, Harry Amass, Martinez.

– **Midfielders**: Casemiro, Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes.

– **Attackers**: Rashford, Amad, Zirkzee.

This match will serve as a crucial test for Ten Hag’s tactics and squad depth ahead of the new season.