United will need to start winning games or risk falling farther behind. However, there will be 35 games remaining after this one, so there is still time to get into a rhythm and start turning a corner. However, following the Spurs’ loss, it will require some effort.
Manchester United’s predicted starting lineup is 4-2-3-1.
Onana is the goalkeeper
Andre Onana has been one of United’s notable new additions this season. Despite surrendering twice to Spurs, he has been pretty positive in goal despite the late incident against Wolves. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper who will shine even more this season.
Onana is the goalie who will get United to play from the back, which is something Ten Hag hopes to achieve at the club this season and in the future. United will need to find a way to adapt to that style of play before things can start to fall into place.
Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, and Fernandez are the defenders
United’s defense will need to strengthen ahead of Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. United conceded their first two goals of the season against Spurs and will need to replicate their performance against Forest last season, when they conceded no goals.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw appear poised to keep their fullback positions against Forest, with both players putting in the effort and wanting to drive United forward and contribute to the goals. So far this season, Wan-Bissaka has one assist to his name.
Casemiro and Hannibal play in the midfield
United’s midfield must improve in order to outperform their opponents. Mason Mount is sidelined for the foreseeable future due to an injury, leaving Ten Hag with a challenge to solve. United will need to be capable in the midfield, which has yet to happen.
Casemiro is the player who will start in this position whenever he is available and not suspended. However, he will need to be rested at times, as last season was difficult for United and weariness had set in. Casemiro takes the field against Forest.
Pellistri, Fernandes, and Sancho form an attacking midfield trio
United’s lack of creativity appears to be a concern this season, as the club has only scored one goal this season, which came from the head of Raphael Varane off an Aaron Wan-Bissaka pass, indicating that the club has to improve in this area.
Antony was a player who caused some issues in this area last season, and it still appears to be the case this season, but it is mostly a negative for now. Perhaps he should be benched as a message to him, in the hope that he realizes and improves.
Rashford, forward
Marcus Rashford may not be the striker United requires this season, but he is the only player fit to start in this position at this time. Last season, he scored 30 goals in all competitions and will need to start scoring for United again this season.
United sorely needs a striker to come in and work well with this team, scoring the goals necessary to propel the club to the next level. Rashford is clearly not that guy, and neither is Anthony Martial, who has struggled in this position for several years.
