No Ronaldo and Malacia in — Manchester United fans predict starting line up

Manchester United supporters are feeling optimistic ahead of the new season with new boss Erik ten Hag at the helm.

The team lost just once in six friendlies this summer, scoring 14 goals and conceding six. Fans have been excited about the new summer arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

A big talking point has also been about the resurgence of front three Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, particularly the latter. They netted a combined eight times during United's tour of Thailand and Australia.

It is no surprise therefore that the trio have been included in nearly all line-ups predicted by United fans when being asked on social media who would make their starting XI against Brighton in Sunday's Premier League opener.

In front of David de Gea the majority of fans identified Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Martinez as shoo-ins for the first game's starting line up; however there is a debate over who will start at left-back.

A number have opted for Luke Shaw, who is expected to be Ten Hag's first choice. However, a large portion of supporters have selected new signing Malacia to start the match after impressive pre-season outings.

Midfield is also a hotbed of debate with various mixtures of formations predicted. Most United fans think Bruno Fernandes will support the front three with Fred as the defensive midfielder.

But there seems to be uncertainty whether Erisken or Donny van de Beek will get the nod and play alongside Fernandes in a 4-1-2-3 formation. Very few name Scott McTominay alongside Fred in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Notable omissions include Cristiano Ronaldo, with many reasoning that the Portuguese forward hasn't had enough game-time in pre-season to be fit enough to start. Other absences from many fans' line ups include Raphael Varane, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who all played fairly significant roles last season.