Manchester United continue their pre-season tour of the United States with a game against Real Betis early Thursday morning GMT. Following their recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, United will be eager to bounce back with a strong performance. In this match preview, we’ll delve into the predicted lineup, key players, and the potential tactical approach that Erik ten Hag might employ against the Spanish side.
The recent match against Arsenal saw Manchester United suffer a narrow defeat, but it was the injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro that left the club more frustrated than the result itself. Both players had to leave the field in the first half, which disrupted the team’s rhythm and highlighted the importance of squad depth. However, there were positive signs too, as the team showed excellent performance in the opening 15-20 minutes.
Andre Onana is expected to start in goal. Even though Onana made some glaring mistakes last season, it looks like he has the full confidence of his manager and his place is certain at least for the start of the season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will likely start at right-back as he aims to make a statement to the club. With rumors circulating about United’s interest in signing Noussair Mazraoui this summer and his own potential move to West Ham, Wan-Bissaka will be keen to make a mark.
In central defense, the injury to new signing Leny Yoro opens the door for Will Fish to step into the lineup. Fish impressed during his half against Arsenal, displaying solid defensive capabilities alongside Jonny Evans. His performance demonstrated why he might be considered a wildcard option for United’s defense. Fish is expected to partner with Harry Maguire, who, despite doubts about his starting role for the upcoming season, remains a valuable asset to the squad. Maguire could serve as an excellent cover for injuries and rotation, and a strong performance in this match might boost his chances of starting in the Community Shield.
Harry Amass, a promising academy graduate, has been making waves in pre-season, and his performance against Arsenal highlighted his potential. His excellent ball control and passing ability make him an exciting prospect for United, and while he still has areas to improve defensively, he seems to be a fast learner. We anticipate seeing Amass start again, with the young left-back hoping to make an impact in this fixture.
Casemiro’s future at the club looked uncertain earlier this summer, but it now appears that he will be staying at Manchester United for another season. Despite the ongoing rumors, no concrete interest has emerged from other clubs, and his experience will be vital in the midfield. With limited options available, Casemiro is expected to start against Betis. However, he will need to improve his performances to win back the trust of the fans and secure his place in the team.
Toby Collyer is another young player who will get an opportunity to impress his manager. Collyer has caught the attention of the coaching staff, and his performances have put him in contention for a first-team role this season. As the midfield competition heats up, Collyer will have the opportunity to stake a claim to a first team spot, and we expect him to feature prominently against Real Betis. Alongside Collyer, Amad Diallo has shown glimpses of his potential. Despite not being at his best against Arsenal, Amad demonstrated his ability to impact the game positively. With his skillful dribbling and flair, he poses a genuine threat to opposing defenses.
Mason Mount had a challenging first season at Manchester United, but his pre-season form has been promising. Against Arsenal, he was involved in several attacking moves and created goal-scoring opportunities. Mount’s sharpness and creativity are encouraging signs for the upcoming season, and he could become a significant asset for the team, providing competition for Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield role.
Marcus Rashford, although not at his peak during this pre-season, has shown glimpses of his potential. With Garnacho still on holiday, Rashford will have the chance to shine against Betis and make a more substantial impact. As the new season approaches, Rashford has expressed his ambitions for the club, and he’ll need to deliver consistent performances to achieve his goals.
Upfront, Ethan Wheatley may get another opportunity to lead the line. With Rasmus Hojlund nursing an injury, Ten Hag might opt not to risk him in this match. Wheatley has been hungry for goals during the tour and will be eager to join the scoresheet alongside Joe Hugill, Amad, and Hojlund.
Predicted Manchester United Line-Up vs. Real Betis:
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Right-Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Center-Backs: Will Fish, Harry Maguire
Left-Back: Harry Amass
Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Mason Mount
Forwards: Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, Ethan Wheatley