(Update: United finally seal the deal to acquire Andre Onana!)
When Manchester United takes to the pitch on Wednesday night, against French side Lyon in Edinburgh for a club friendly, you know what to expect with the first XI.
It will be a similar squad to the one that beat Leeds United in Oslo, Norway. Some usual 2022-23 first-teamers, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane (C), Lisandro Martinez and Jadon Sancho were all in the mix.
Manchester United v Lyon FYIs
Kickoff: Wed. July 19, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
MUFC Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Coverage: ESPN2/ESPNDP 2pm BST
You can expect manager Erik Ten Hag to hand Scott McTominay, playing in his native land, a start as well. The first 11 will have a ton of youth too.
The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Hannibal Mejbri and Amad Diallo were all in the starting lineup.
You can expect Will Fish Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Noam Emeran and Shola Shoretire to feature as well, probably.
So with that in mind, here is the projected first team that we came up with. There are certainly no right or wrong answers here. Post your own guess in the comments section below.
Manchester United Starting XI Prediction
Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Fernandez; Mainoo, McTominay; Shoretire, Amad, Emeran; Sancho.
Prediction: Man United 2, Lyon 0
Hard to prognosticate, but I think United has got this. For whatever that is worth.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.