Bidding to immediately bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League, Manchester United welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Ruben Amorim suffered his first defeat as Manchester United head coach against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last time out. Before that, the Portuguese had won two games and drawn once across all competitions.
The defeat at Arsenal ended Amorim’s three-game unbeaten run but there were positives to take in the way that the Red Devils defended in open play that bode well for the encounter against Forest, who were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in midweek.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United will have Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez back for Forest’s visit on Saturday evening. The pair were suspended for the trip to Arsenal on Wednesday.
Luke Shaw will miss the game due to injury, having suffered a ‘small setback’ before the game against the Gunners, while Jonny Evans is still not fit. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof has resumed his work at Carrington as he looks to overcome his knee issue.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
There is no denying that Andre Onana has undoubtedly been Man United’s best player this season, which goes on to show how bad the team has been. The Cameroonian will look to continue his fine form by shutting the shop as quickly as possible at the weekend.
Defence
Lisandro Martinez is expected to walk straight back in Amorim’s starting XI, taking the left-sided centre-back spot in a back three. The Argentinean could join Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire in defence, with the trio hoping to keep the in-form Chris Wood quiet.
Leny Yoro will be pushing for his first start for the club after making his debut as a substitute against Arsenal.
Midfield
Noussair Mazraoui has played as a right-sided centre-back in Amorim’s back-three system thus far but he could find himself operating as a left wing-back against Forest. On the opposite flank, Amad Diallo is anticipated to come back into the side after coming on as a half-time substitute in midweek at the Emirates Stadium.
In central midfield, Kobbie Mainoo returns after serving a one-game suspension. He may partner Casemiro, who should be fresh to feature after being an unused substitute against Arsenal. The midfield duo, along with the wing-backs, have to function in tandem to help Man United control the game against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Manuel Ugarte and Christian Eriksen will be options to bring on off the bench when required.
Attack
Bruno Fernandes is certain to be pushed higher up the field after failing to influence the proceedings from a deeper role in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. As another No.10, Amorim is likely to give Marcus Rashford the nod over Alejandro Garnacho to start.
Rashford and Fernandes will look to combine well in the final third and create openings for striker Rasmus Hojlund, who had a poor game at the Emirates Stadium. Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount, Antony and Garnacho have the potential to make an impact off the bench.
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