Here is a quick look at how our writers think United should line-up this teatime…
Samuel Luckhurst:
United are likely to have the same squad, so it should be the same team unless Luke Shaw is available. They were at their best in attack against Villa and have had a four-day gap between games.
There can also be no let-up against Forest, whose sacking of Steve Cooper has been quickly vindicated with two improved performances and one excellent win at Newcastle.
If there has to be a change it is at left-back. As dubious a left-back as Diogo Dalot is, Sergio Reguilon could be back at Tottenham next week and Ten Hag has treated him with little fondness.
Tyrone Marshall:
If he’s fit and well it makes sense for Shaw to return to the side, with Dalot at right-back, but other than that there’s little reason to make major changes. Evans and Varane go again and Onana should start despite his impending departure to the Africa Cup of Nations.
This will be a different game to the Villa fixture, when United had the players to break down their high line. Nuno’s teams offer no such invitations, but those players have confidence and should remain in the side. A midfield of Mainoo, Eriksen and Fernandes seemed to have a nice balance to it.
Garnacho and Rashford enjoyed the open spaces on Boxing Day and need to build on impressive performances, even if this game isn’t played to suit their strengths. Hojlund will be desperate to get back out there after finally scoring in the Premier League.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
