Michael Carrick begins his first full season as permanent Manchester United head coach when the Red Devils travel to face Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
The game kicks off at 12:30pm, with Championship play-off winners Hull providing the opening Premier League test for Carrick’s side.
Carrick guided United into the top four after taking over from Ruben Amorim midway through last season, earning himself the job on a permanent basis.
United have been measured in the transfer window this summer, making targeted adjustments to their midfield following the departures of key personnel.
The arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos address the gaps left by Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury, with both players hoping to debut against the Tigers.
Tielemans was a late addition to pre-season preparations after being granted a mandatory three-week post-World Cup holiday, having helped Belgium reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The £35 million star should be fully up to speed after completing 90 minutes against AC Milan in Manchester United’s final pre-season friendly.
Santos, a £50 million summer signing from Chelsea, featured in all six of United’s pre-season friendlies, making him a strong candidate to start in midfield on Saturday afternoon.
Carrick could name the same midfield trio that started the 4-2 loss to Milan in Poland, with captain Bruno Fernandes operating in his favoured number ten role.
Mason Mount is described as “touch and go” for the Hull fixture, while Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, and Tom Heaton are confirmed absentees through injury.
Benjamin Sesko has returned to training following a shin injury and may feature in the squad, though Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line through the middle.
Lisandro Martinez’s limited pre-season minutes could see him miss out on a starting berth, with Ayden Heaven potentially partnering Harry Maguire in central defence.
This fixture will mark Harry Maguire’s first return to Hull City since his spell at the club between 2014 and 2017, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
There is competition at right-back between Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, while Luke Shaw appears to have the left-back position secured on the opposite flank.
Matheus Cunha could earn a starting spot ahead of both Patrick Dorgu and Marcus Rashford on the left side of attack, rounding out a competitive-looking lineup.
The predicted Manchester United XI reads: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha.