Mason Mount and Andre Onana will make their competitive debuts for Manchester United against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
Manchester United will look to begin the 2023/24 season a positive note when they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford on Monday night. But Erik ten Hag will be without several first-team players in his team’s season-opening fixture.
Rasmus Hojlund is the most notable absentee, with the Danish international recovering from a back issue. The 20-year-old accompanies Dean Henderson (thigh), Tom Heaton (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), and Amad Diallo (knee) on the sidelines.
During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag insisted he would not rush Hojlund into the thick of the action. He said, “No, we are not in a rush. We know we are also without him, we have a strong team and the position is covered. We don’t rush.”
“It is about him being in the right level and then we have to integrate him in training and then we will bring him into the games. We take our time. It is not about winning in this moment, it is about winning in the long-term.”
Meanwhile, ten Hag revealed during the presser that Anthony Martial would be available to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers. He said, “I’m quite calm and composed in this situation because Rashy is very good as a striker – we have seen it last Saturday [in the 3-1 victory over RC Lens].”
“Anthony Martial is available as well. Jadon Sancho can play there as well – he did it in pre-season very well. The squad can deal with it, as I already said. There is a strategy behind it.” The Dutchman also provided updates on Malacia, Diallo, and Mainoo, saying, “Malacia’s will take some time, the same as Amad and Kobbie, they are really impact injuries.”
Malacia’s absence is not a problem, as Luke Shaw is the undisputed first-choice left-back. The English international will accompany Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Diogo Dalot in the defensive unit. Meanwhile, Andre Onana will make his competitive Manchester United debut when he takes his spot between the sticks.
Mason Mount will also make his Manchester United bow, starting alongside Casemiro in the double pivot. And newly-appointed captain Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role. Finally, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony should form the offensive trifecta, with Martial starting on the bench. Jadon Sancho will also be a substitute against Wolves.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford