Manchester United Predicted XI vs Hull City as Tielemans and Santos Prepare for First Start
Manchester United head to the MKM Stadium with two fresh names likely to define the shape of Michael Carrick’s side. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are both expected to make their competitive debuts against Hull City, and that matters because United’s midfield badly needs control, legs and clarity.
Santos arrived for £50million from Chelsea and has already done the basic work required to earn trust. He featured in all six pre-season matches, which usually tells you everything. Managers can talk all they like, selection habits are the real evidence. On that basis, he starts.
Tielemans had a delayed return after Belgium’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, but he completed 90 minutes against AC Milan in the final friendly. That removes the main question around rhythm and fitness. If he is fit enough for that, he is fit enough for Hull.
Midfield setup for Michael Carrick
Carrick is likely to keep Bruno Fernandes in the No10 role, where he remains most effective, and use Tielemans with Santos behind him. It is a sensible setup. Fernandes gets freedom, Santos brings energy and range, Tielemans gives United a calmer passing base.
That trio also looks like the best route to avoiding the loose structure seen in the 4-2 defeat to Milan. Pre-season scorelines do not matter much, habits do. United looked open too often, and this combination should tighten that up.
Defence decisions at MKM Stadium
At the back, Lisandro Martinez may still be short of full sharpness. That opens the door for Ayden Heaven, who could get the nod alongside Harry Maguire. Leny Yoro is another option, but Heaven appears closer to immediate involvement.
Luke Shaw should start at left-back, while the right-back place looks a straight call between Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui. In goal, Senne Lammens is set to begin.
Attack shape and injury update
Patrick Dorgu’s shift into a left-wing role has given Carrick a genuine selection problem. He has looked transformed there, despite a season disrupted by injury. With Benjamin Sesko not yet ready to start after a three-month lay-off, Matheus Cunha is expected to lead the line, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to move to the right.
Mason Mount is “touch and go” for the trip. Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton are out.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw, Tielemans, Santos, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu, Cunha.
