Kobbie Mainoo starts: Man United predicted XI to face Grimsby
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Coming off the back of a frustrating draw away at Fulham on Sunday, Ruben Amorim’s side have taken just one point from their first two Premier League matches, despite some positive performances.
Grimsby, on the other hand, have had an unbeaten start to their season, winning three and drawing two of their opening five league games.
Grimsby will carry momentum and optimism into Blundell Park, backed by a big crowd, and it’s up to Amorim’s team to get the job done in what could be a hostile atmosphere.
(Credit: Imago)
After two taxing early season performances it’s likely Amorim will rotate his squad somewhat, but equally the Portuguese coach will be wary of throwing too many inexperienced players into a cup game which has taken on added importance due to United’s poor early season run.
All eyes will be on who Amorim picks in goal as Altay Bayindir, last season’s cup goalkeeper, has started the first two Premier League games of the season, suggesting Andre Onana may have fallen in the pecking order, but he could make his first start of the season in this game.
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At the back, Harry Maguire will likely be picked for his experience, while opportunities may be awarded to Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson as the other two centre backs.
Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo have both started at right wing-back this season so there will likely be a toss up between the two depending on whether Amorim wants more defensive solidity or more attacking prowess at the positon.
Finally, in the forward line Joshua Zirkzee is yet to start a game this season, as is new signing Benjamin Sesko, while Chido Odi Martin may also feature.
One name to keep an eye on is young academy graduate Ethan Williams who Amorim opted to give opportunities to in pre season and has experience against League Two opposition having spent the second half of last season on loan at Cheltenham Town, where he filled in at both left-wing and left wing-back.
Football Insider verdict
Following both of United’s games so far this season one common trend has revealed itself, within Amorim’s system.
Both Marco Silva and Alex Iwobi (who caused United’s midfield problems all afternoon with his movement in the midfield third) highlighted this after the game, and it suggests Amorim may have to tweak his system back to what worked against Arsenal, if his side are to be more solid out of possession.
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