Man Utd meet Lens ahead of Dublin clash with Athletic Club
Only pre-season game at Old Trafford this summer
Squad rotation expected but Mount and Onana could start
Manchester United open the curtain for the 2023/24 season at Old Trafford by hosting French club Lens in their penultimate summer friendly.
United have already played five pre-season games – six if you include a young side’s loss to Wrexham – and suffered a few defeats after starting the season in fine form.
They meet a Lens side who finished second in Ligue 1 last season and are back in the Champions League.
Here’s the team Erik ten Hag could field, with United also set to be in action on Sunday when they travel to Dublin to take on Athletic Club.
TW: Andre Onana – Was spotted giving advice to Harry Maguire against Borussia Dortmund. Maybe you won’t have to insult the England international in the future.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – recently celebrated his fourth birthday as a United player and is in contention with Diogo Dalot for the right-back spot.
CB: Raphael Varane – Uncertain through injury after missing out on defeat at Dortmund but hopes to meet the team he played for before joining Real Madrid.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – I got bogged down in pre-season and especially enjoyed the spirited 2-0 win over Arsenal.
LB: Luke Shaw – Manchester City’s recently admitted hat-trick last season ‘damaged’ United. The Red Devils had completed the famous feat in 1998/99
CM: Casemiro-He has enjoyed a positive first season at United, showing his permanent class, and will be looking to lead his side into the title race in just his second season at Old Trafford.
CM: Mason Mount – Mount made his competitive debut for Chelsea in a 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford and will be hoping for a more successful result in his first appearance as a United player.
RW: Antony-lui He scored his first goal in pre-season against Dortmund, but Jaap Stam also told him to improve his game. When someone as scary as Jaap Stam says it, you better watch out.
AM: Bruno Fernandes-The new United captain was recently praised by club legend Paul Scholes, who highlighted his vision. AG: Jadon Sancho – Could be sacrificed once a new striker is signed in the transfer window, but Sancho still played a lot of pre-season football this summer and scored against Arsenal.
ST: Marcus Rashford – Once Rasmus Hojlund arrives, Rashford is expected to step back to the left, but until that deal is finalized he will fill the void at the top.
