United Beyond Manchester

New season, new Manchester United? Let’s hope so. Here are three things to watch as the Reds host Fulham at Old Trafford.

Debuts for De Ligt, Mazraoui, and Zirkzee

Three summer signings could make their competitive debut for the Reds in the season opener against Fulham. Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui are all available to play and, with injuries already piling up, could be called into action quickly.

With Rasmus Hojlund out to start the season, Joshua Zirkzee will need to step up and score goals. The Dutch international scored twelve times for Bologna last year and needs to start hot this year.

Noussair Mazraoui will be important while Luke Shaw is out, and De Ligt should finally push Jonny Evans into the reserve role he was supposed to have in the first place.

Lisandro Martinez Returns

Manchester United floundered without Lisandro Martinez in the back last season. The Argentine is the best defender in Manchester and was sorely missed, as the Reds conceded 58 goals in the Premier League. His return, paired with new signings could lead to a defensive resurgence for United.

Can Erik Ten Hag get a positive start?

Manchester United’s slow start last season set the tone for the whole year. With a new sporting group at the club, Erik Ten Hag cannot afford another stumble off the blocks.

A win for the Reds would be an important start to a critical season. Manchester United needs to return to challenging for titles and earning Champions League qualification. Can the team do either this year?