Man United predicted XI to face Bayern Munich: With injuries piling up, under-fire Erik ten Hag has a lack of defensive options and a midfield dilemma for his side’s Champions League opener
- Erik ten Hag’s first Champions League game in charge of Man United is tonight
- But the Dutchman is faced with limited options for the clash with Bayern Munich
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’
Erik ten Hag will be hoping to make a winning start in his first Champions League game as Manchester United boss when they take on Bayern Munich.
After yet another stuttering start to a Premier League campaign under the Dutchman, United turn their attention to the continent to face the Bavarian giants in a competitive match for the first time since 2014.
A win over their Group A rivals would be a great way for United to kick start their campaign, but a lengthy injury list will make the task of defeating Thomas Tuchel’s side at the Allianz Arena all the more the daunting.
Having featured in all five of United’s Premier League games this season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka would’ve likely played in tonight’s fixture but will instead spent several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining an injury against Brighton.
Meanwhile Mason Mount is still unavailable after picking up an injury prior to the international break, with centre-back pair Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane also not part of the group that have travelled to Munich.
Erik ten Hag is faced with multiple selection dilemmas as Manchester United look to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start
Injured Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are training ahead of a return but have not been cleared to travel with the squad to face Bayern Munich
Meanwhile Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be out for several weeks after injury against Brighton
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Jadon Sancho and Antony have also not travelled, with new signing Sofyan Amrabat also not yet ready to make his United debut after joining on loan from Fiorentina on deadline day.
Andre Onana will start between the sticks in his first Champions League appearance since being on the losing end of last season’s final as Inter Milan were defeated by Manchester City.
The accumulation of injuries has left United thin on the ground in terms of defensive options, so Ten Hag will likely have little choice but to stick with the back four of Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, and summer signing Sergio Reguilon he deployed against Brighton.
That defeat at Old Trafford also saw the Dutchman unsuccessfully experiment with a four-man diamond midfield likely necessitating a change of approach against the Bundesliga champions.
As such, Casemiro could be partnered with Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay in a three-man midfield, although this would require Bruno Fernandes to be deployed on the right-flank a position he has only occasionally occupied for United in recent seasons.
Should United revert to a midfield three, captain Bruno Fernandes could be deployed on the right flank
United’s lack of defensive options is highlighted by Jonny Evans likely to be the only defender named on the bench
Rasmus Hojlund will likely make his first ever appearance in the Champions League group stage
Despite being the subject of significant criticism following United’s poor start domestically, Marcus Rashford will almost certainly start on the left flank, with Rasmus Hojlund to make his first European appearance since scoring in the third qualifying round for Sturm Graz in a losing effort to Dynamo Kiev in 2022.
Veteran centre-back Jonny Evans looks set to be the only defensive option available on the bench, with highly-rated youngster Facundo Pellistri likely to join the Northern Irishman as he continues his hunt for a first United start.
Predicted Man United XI (4-3-3): Onana; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen, McTominay; Fernandes, Hojlund, Rashford
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