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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Samuel Luckhurst & Richard Fay & Tyrone Marshall

How Manchester United should line up vs Melbourne Victory in pre-season fixture

Manchester United will be looking to build on Tuesday's 4-0 win over Liverpool when they face Melbourne Victory at Melbourne Cricket Ground in their second pre-season friendly on Friday.

United were impressive and looked sharp against a much-changed Liverpool side, racing into a three-goal lead with a little more than 30 minutes on the clock, thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred and Anthony Martial. Facundo Pellistri netted the fourth goal in the second-half following a plethora of changes.

And more changes are to be expected against Melbourne, with the clash with Tony Popovic's side marking United's first of three matches while in Australia. Manager Erik ten Hag rotated his pack midway through the clash with Liverpool, while Tom Heaton stepped off the bench in the second-half to replace David de Gea, meaning 22 players earned some valuable minutes.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag confirms Donny van de Beek's best position at Manchester United

Harry Maguire played no part in the win over Jurgen Klopp's side because of a minor knock but is in contention to face Melbourne. Ten Hag has confirmed that it is possible he could play half of the match.

Here's how our MEN Sport writers think United should line-up. (Pick your own XI using the selector at the bottom of the article)

Tyrone Marshall

This is probably United's least competitive game of the tour and the one they will learn least from, it's an exercise in putting Ten Hag's demands into practice once again and it's worth making a few changes, with a view to giving the regulars a longer run out against Crystal Palace.

Heaton can start this friendly in goal and it looks a good opportunity to give Malacia an hour at left-back. It's worth giving Laird a go at right-back in this game, while Maguire will start after missing out against Liverpool. Lindelof can start alongside him.

If Garner is available he should start in a deeper role and alongside someone with a little more experience, to give a proper gauge of his ability. McTominay can partner him, with Van de Beek in the more advanced role that Ten Hag has now told us he thinks is his best position.

In attack Amad played through the middle in the second half in Bangkok, but can start on the right here. Garnacho can get a game on the left and Rashford might have to play at centre forward.


Rich Fay

Melbourne Victory might be a lesser name than Liverpool, but they are likely to be a tougher test given they'll want to play their strongest side and put in a good account for themselves against an elite opponent.

Maguire should come into defence to get his first minutes of the summer and it makes sense to play him alongside Varane in order to build their partnership. Malacia impressed from the bench on his debut and deserves his first start.

Fred and McTominay are still the only trusted central midfield partnership, but Van de Beek should get a chance in his preferred role in place of Fernandes.

There are compelling arguments for all the back-up attacking options, but Ten Hag would be better off sticking with the front three who terrorised Liverpool.

Samuel Luckhurst

United's squad does not have particularly impressive depth and there is some logic in maintaining continuity without having a team set in stone as the club looks to make a raft of signings over the next week or so.

If De Gea is carrying a slight injury it would be senseless to risk him, so Heaton can start. Lindelof was good against Liverpool and has earned another starting spot - Ten Hag has already said Maguire will play a half.

James Garner is the one United need to have a good look at in Australia. Rashford was the bluntest of the attacking trio in Bangkok but they complemented each other well enough.


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