At the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, today’s friendly match between Manchester United and Aston Villa is scheduled.
With a perfect record across three games, the Red Devils have been outstanding throughout their preseason tour of Thailand and Australia.
Erik ten Hag, the team’s manager, will hope to end the tour with a victory. He appears to be on track to choose a potent XI once more.
Scott McTominay skipped the entire practice on Thursday in order to work out in the hotel gym, so there may be at least one alteration to the starting lineup.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
David de Gea was back in goal against Crystal Palace after missing out on the Melbourne Victory friendly with a minor knock. The Spaniard is expected to start between the sticks.
No changes are likely in the backline. Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia were simply brilliant against Palace. Dalot delivered a superb left-footed assist for Antony Martial. The chance was created by Malacia’s key pass.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire look set to start at the heart of the defense. Raphael Varane was back in full training, but Lindelof and Maguire were involved in the warm-up drill with 11 players on Thursday.
In the center of the park, there should be a solitary change with McTominay set to miss out. He was stepping up his recovery in the hotel, having sustained a possible knock against Palace.
Ten Hag has the opportunity to field the impressive Zidane Iqbal alongside Fred, but judging by Thursday’s session, it is quite clear that Donny van de Beek will be lining up with the Brazilian.
Further forward, it should be a straightforward pick. Ten Hag is expected to stick with the front four of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial. No changes are due.
Martial has had a tremendous upturn in his career under Ten Hag. The Frenchman has scored in each of the club’s three friendlies and looks set to lead the line against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.
