Owen Hargreaves says four players currently have their positions nailed down in the Manchester United team.
He added that the others are “auditioning” for positions on the pitch, many of whom lined up against Omonia on Thursday night. David de Gea is United’s firm No.1 with Martin Dubravka very much brought in as back-up over the summer.
How long De Gea will keep the gloves is uncertain with the shot stopper’s contract expiring in the summer and his 12-month extension yet to be triggered. Diogo Dalot is the club’s main right-back and has played every game this season so far.
READ MORE: Manchester United fans react to starting line-up vs Omonia
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was being offered to clubs in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements but has ultimately stayed and is considered a big downgrade on Dalot. The Portugal international and De Gea were named as two players Hargreaves believes are guaranteed starters.
Another is new signing Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine has kept club captain Harry Maguire out of the side and has received plaudits for his performances since arriving. Hargreaves' final pick was Bruno Fernandes, while he hesitated on Christian Eriksen.
Speaking about Erik ten Hag’s task of finding his best starting XI, Hargreaves told BT Sport: “Luke Shaw came into the side against Everton, [Victor] Lindelof, Casemiro, so he’s still trying to find the blend.
"So you can argue the only people guaranteed to start: Martinez, De Gea, Dalot, Bruno, maybe Eriksen, so the other positions seem up for grabs, so it’s auditions for these players to play well.
“They’ve got a big squad but he’s still getting to know it. Considering where they were, he’s doing a good job and if they can be top four they’ve had a hell of a season.”
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