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Manchester United face Chelsea in a mouth-watering clash at Old Trafford on Sunday. This will be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first test of the new campaign in his first full season in charge of the side. The new signings are already in and will all most likely start for the Red Devils in this opener.
United fans expected more signings on deadline day, but that was not the case. In Solskjaer's setup, he has emphasized on rebuilding the squad and changing the mentality of the team.
In the pre-season United won six out of six matches, which provides a lot of optimism heading into the Chelsea showdown.
The biggest hurdle remains how the manager will get his team firing on all cylinders given that his potential attacking options are young. Mason Greenwood has emerged as the new star on the block and he could be crucial in the goals department this season.
Solskjaer is likely to start with a straight 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 in this match, which may tell us how United set up for the rest of the campaign. Here is a look at the likely XI:
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
Pre-season has shown that the United No. 1 is slowly getting his confidence back after a torrid finish in the final third of last season. De Gea will be called again to lead the line this season after it became imminent in July that he would not be leaving.
With the star settled now, it would be an ideal time to show the fans that he is still is one of the genuine world-class talents at the club.
His strengths include goalkeeping instincts to make quick saves and of course cat-like reflexes that he has displayed time and again over the years. There's no doubt that the Spanish international is the first name on the team sheet.
Defenders: Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire
The back line is an area in which United have strengthened, as they needed to. The acquisition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire at huge figures was a statement of intent from the club.
Maguire is certainly a step up from what United had in terms of central defenders. Wan-Bissaka's tackling ability and interventions, on the other hand, will be crucial in keeping things tight at the back.
Luke Shaw's tendency to overlap at pace gives him the edge over other players in that position. The only concern the last couple of seasons has been the injuries, but they seem to be behind him for the moment.
Victor Lindelof forced his way into the starting XI with a string of good performances. The Swede is set to start alongside Maguire at the heart of defence.
With Eric Bailly out due to injury, it is up to Lindelof to show the fans that he deserves to be picked week in and out.
Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Andreas Pereira
There is relief for United fans knowing that Paul Pogba is still available to the team after the transfer window shut. His fate still remains uncertain though, as Real Madrid have until September to sign him.
In the current setup, Scott McTominay will be the deepest lying midfielder to protect the back four. The Scot is more mobile than Nemanja Matic and should get the nod for this tie.
Pogba may be required to play slightly deeper than his usual role but that has never stopped him from opening up play.
Unlike last season, there will not be a big target man up front. United will rely on the pace and mobility from the forward players, as seen in pre-season.
Andreas Pereira will be in as the glue to the front line and will also be expected to take care of his defensive responsibilities. This season, the Brazilian will finally get more chances given that Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera have already departed. His task will be to look for the channels of distribution and put pressure on the opposition midfield.
Attackers: Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Anthony Martial
The front players on paper seem set to bring some excitement. They represent the kind of philosophy that Solskjaer is building at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial is set to get more chances as the starting striker or left winger, in the wake of Romelu Lukaku's departure to Inter Milan. Martial was recently handed back the No. 9 shirt, which is an indication of his role and importance to the team.
New signing Daniel James is a speed merchant and has already given us a glimpse of the kind of player that he is. James was brought in to solve United's right wing problem, and he will be crucial in unlocking the Chelsea defence that lacks speed.
Also, United will be aware that the Blues are short of regular centre backs with David Luiz departing to Arsenal.
United's No. 10 Marcus Rashford is the poster boy of Solskjaer's project. The Norwegian has so much faith in Rashford that he made him the top striker, thus pushing Lukaku out of the team.
Rashford will be expected to lead the striking line and get the goals that the team needs this season.
