Manchester United’s top-four challenge resumes on Tuesday night as they play host to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
It’s been six weeks since the Red Devils' last Premier League game, where Alejandro Garnacho scored an injury-time winner vs Fulham. United were back in action in midweek, as they overcame Burnley to reach the Carabao Cup quarter finals.
But it’s in the league where Erik ten Hag’s rebuild will be judged upon and a return to the Champions League is the top target for his first season in charge. The clash with Forest also marks the first league game since Cristiano Ronaldo ’s exit.
Ten Hag has admitted that in the long-term, they will need to replace the 37-year-old: “Yes but only when we find the right player.
“We do everything in our power. We are doing research on every opportunity and we do everything we can if that opportunity is there to contract them.”
But until that right player is found, Ten Hag will need to best use what is already at his disposal. Mirror Football takes a look at how United will line-up when they take on Steve Cooper’s side.
Goalkeeper and defenders - De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire; Shaw.
Not that there was ever much debate, but Martin Dubravka’s shaky performance vs Burnley means David de Gea’s position in goal is as safe as houses. He may not have the distribution skills Ten Hag truly wants, but he remains the undoubted starter.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was back in the United team in midweek, thanks to the injury suffered by Diogo Dalot. And the former Crystal Palace man impressed, registering an assist and helping his side to a clean sheet.
He’ll keep his place on the right, with Luke Shaw starting on the opposite flank. In the heart of defence, World Cup finalists Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are not expected to play. That means Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will be given a chance to stake their claim.
Maguire enjoyed a good month in Qatar and after recovering from illness he will be desperate to show he can still offer something to United.
Midfielders - Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes.
Casemiro has already proved his worth to Ten Hag, but the fact he can also operate as a centre-back is yet another string to his bow. He’ll be back in more familiar surroundings against Forest though, with his partnership alongside Christian Eriksen continuing to look promising.
Bruno Fernades was one of Portugal's most impressive performers in Qatar and he’ll be keen to keep that going back in Manchester. Fernandes has always looked better without the presence of Ronaldo and his exit could
Forwards - Antony, Martial, Rashford.
Had Anthony Martial not suffered with injuries, he would have started in place of Ronaldo regardless of any ill-advised interviews with Piers Morgan. He’s fit and firing now and he can take these next few games as an audition to be Ten Hag’s option for the foreseeable.
Marcus Rashford is another who will now have extra responsibility in the second half of the season and if his goal against Burnley says anything, it’s that he is up to the challenge.
Antony will be the final piece of the jigsaw and will be tasked with creating and scoring for his new team.
