United travel to Melbourne after inspired win over Liverpool

Manchester United begin their second pre-season match tomorrow against Melbourne Victory. After an emphatic 4-0 win over Liverpool this should provide a different challenge. Melbourne are of course not at the same level as Liverpool (no disrespect), and so Ten Hag could use this to determine which players will be part of the squad and which will be loaned out or sold. Of course, it is also a chance for those guaranteed to be part of the squad to get valuable minutes. All in all we can expect a lot of the same from the Liverpool game. There will be changes after half time.

As for availability, Erik ten Hag has confirmed that the whole squad is available for the match. David de Gea was taken off against Liverpool but should be ready to feature. As for Harry Maguire, who missed the game in Thailand altogether, Ten Hag has confirmed he may be fit for one half. Axel Tuanzebe has returned to England due to personal reasons. In his place, Will Fish is set to enter the pre-season camp.

Predicted Teams

I do expect changes after 45 minutes. In discussing the match, the United boss said:

““It’s pre-season but in football you play to win. So in the end it’s always important, winning. But of course in this pre-season we also have to develop our team so that is also a very big target for the game.”

So I can see a strong side starting the match with a second team coming in to kill the game off on the counter. I think Maguire comes into the first XI and replaces Lindelof while Telles could miss out altogether after appearing as a centre back in Maguire’s absence against Liverpool. As for the rest, I don’t expect many changes bar an appearance from Garner and Hannibal. It worked well enough against Liverpool!

First 45′: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Second 45′: Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Malacia; Garner, Hannibal; Pellistri, van de Beek, Elanga; Amad

Predicted Score:

I can see this being a merciless result. Ten Hag is not one to take prisoners and he will be drilling that into the squad. I can see an entertaining result.

United to win 5-0