Sam Johnstone – With David de Gea not playing, Johnstone should come in given how much he played during the pre-season.
Matteo Darmian – Louis van Gaal has already confirmed he will start.
Chris Smalling – Right now, he remains Manchester United’s first choice centre-back.
Daley Blind – Like Darmian, Van Gaal has confirmed he will start.
Luke Shaw – Was excellent in the pre-season, here’s hoping he can continue with that form.
Morgan Schneiderlin – Can’t wait to see him boss the midfield. Haven’t had a player like him, in his prime, for a long time.
Michael Carrick – Think Van Gaal will want him to dictate from deep.
Memphis Depay – He’ll be itching to start and Van Gaal will oblige. Was the only player to start all four pre-season games.
Juan Mata – United’s best option at right midfield.
Ashley Young – New contract was richly deserved for Young and Van Gaal still has a soft spot for him.
Wayne Rooney – United’s focus man up front this season. Can he score 20+ goals?
Predicted formation: 4-3-3 – Van Gaal used a 4-2-3-1 during the pre-season but has said on more than one occasion that he will revert to his favoured 4-3-3 when the Premier League kicks off.