Mount, Mazraoui and Martínez: Manchester United predicted line-up vs Everton as £55m man starts

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim celebrated victory on his Old Trafford debut with a thrilling 3-2 Europa League triumph over Bodo/Glimt in midweek. Now, he will turn his attention to securing a first Premier League win when they take on Everton this weekend at Old Trafford.

It’s fair to say that his first league game was disappointing at Ipswich, but it’s a credit to him that he’s been able to lift the team and secure the win in Europe last night. There will be bigger challenges ahead, but for now, the focus will be on getting his feet under the table and understanding how every player in his squad can perform. There is a real optimism around Old Trafford again, after a dire time under the management of Erik ten Hag.

So, ahead of the game against Everton this weekend, here’s the team we anticipate Amorim will put out:

Goalkeeper and defenders

Andre Onana has been one of the club’s standout players this season. It’s easy to forget that he was initially mocked when he first arrived, but with consistent performances, he’s found his best form. Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defender, has been used at the centre of the three-man defence and looks very comfortable there.

It’s expected that he will retain his place, with Lisandro Martínez likely to be deployed on the right side of the defence, and Noussair Mazraoui - who top of the Red Devils’ summer signings - on the left. Based on early indications, this is the way we expect the back line to line up.

Midfield

Antony played as a wing-back against Bodo/Glimt and did a solid job. With the manager emphasising rewarding hard work, it’s likely he will be given that role again, alongside Tyrell Malacia, who also featured as a right-sided wing-back. These two will be pivotal to the way Amorim wants his team to operate, with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte in the middle to tackle and initiate play. Fernandes in particular will be key in this system as he will need to be at his performing best to help keep the ball and hurt teams.

Attacking line

Just in front of them, in what will likely be a congested midfield blending into the attack, will be £55m man Mason Mount, the former Chelsea player has had a nightmare time in Manchester but his pressing ability could be useful in this team, he’s likely to paired with Alejandro Garnacho in the hole just before the striker. Rasmus Højlund, who scored twice in Europe, is expected to retain his starting spot ahead of Marcus Rashford.

Possible lineup

Onana; De Ligt, Martínez, Mazraoui, Malacia, Antony, Fernandes, Ugarte, Mount; Garnacho, Højlund.