How Man Utd could line-up for Premier League opener vs. Hull as 'heavy favourites' to start named
To the delight (and relief) of many, Premier League football is just around the corner as teams enter the final stretch of pre-season.
Manchester United will kick off their 2026-27 campaign with a trip to the MKM Stadium, where they will take on newly-promoted Hull City in a game that could feature new summer signing Andrey Santos.
Santos, who joined United from Chelsea this summer for around £50 million, has impressed in pre-season matches against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid.
"The way he approaches games, the way he plays for his teammates – he doesn't play for himself," said Michael Carrick after the Atletico game. "He reads the game very well, is very intelligent and has settled in well here."
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United have three pre-season friendlies remaining this summer against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan, but Santos is currently a 'heavy favourite' to start against Hull, according to the Manchester Evening News.
He isn't the only one, either. So, who could start United's season opener on August 22? We've taken a look at some of the candidates.
Michael Carrick has a selection headache at the back
Let's start with the most straightforward calls. At the end of last month, Senne Lammens cut his holiday short to return to Carrington. The goalkeeper featured for Belgium at the World Cup but asked to return four days early to make sure he's match-ready.
Lammens, who was one of United's standout performers last season following his £18.1million move from Royal Antwerp, will be expected to retain his spot for this month's trip to Hull.
Perhaps the most difficult part of the pitch to predict is at the back. Luke Shaw, who started every Premier League game across the 2025-26 campaign, will almost certainly be named in the XI if he stays fit.
Harry Maguire was another regular fixture last season, so his inclusion is likely, but the question remains: who will make up the rest of the back four? Lisandro Martinez started their final game of last season against Brighton.
The Argentine centre-back has struggled with fitness issues over the past year but Martinez's leadership qualities, paired with his ability to break the lines, will put him in contention to start against Hull.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, meanwhile, have featured for United in pre-season, so they have more minutes under their belt coming into the opening game. Matthijs De Ligt, on the other hand, remains sidelined.
Based on minutes last season, a fit Diogo Dalot could be in line to start against Hull, although Noussair Mazraoui will be hoping to continue his good form after a solid World Cup with Morocco.
Mason Mount and Andrey Santos are currently the 'heavy favourites' to start in midfield three
Captain Bruno Fernandes is 'nailed on' to start at the MKM Stadium, according to the Manchester Evening News, and while the remaining two midfield spots are up for grabs, Mason Mount and Andrey Santos are currently the 'heavy favourites' to join Fernandes.
Mount has been one of the club's standout performers in pre-season, impressing against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid.
Santos, who joined United from Chelsea this summer for around £50 million, combined well with Mount during those games. In fact, the latter was full of praise for Santos following the Rosenborg game.
"I think he's a really good player. As you said, he reads the game very well," said Mount.
"I know he's young, but he's very experienced in going out on loan and playing in the Premier League as well. He reads the game very well. He's a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more forward in these last two games and work off him."
Youri Tielemens, another summer signing, will be hoping to impress in the coming weeks and is set to be available for selection against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday (August 8). Whether he will be fit enough to start against Hull remains to be seen.
Despite not featuring for England at this summer's World Cup, Kobbie Mainoo is yet to return to pre-season training but is expected to be back for United's clash against Leeds on Wednesday (April 12).
The previously mentioned report states: "Everything points to Carrick picking a Santos, Mount, and Fernandes midfield on the opening day of the season, as Tielemans and Mainoo continue to build their match fitness."
Benjamin Sesko is expected to be fit for Premier League opener
Going forward, a front three of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo would be United's strongest attacking trio.
Cunha and Mbuemo returned to pre-season training this week ahead of games against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan, while Sesko, who missed the final four games of last season with a shin injury, has recently started outdoor training.
He is scheduled to participate in team sessions in the coming days, according to The Sun.
Carrick has been given a selection headache, especially in wide areas. Amad has impressed in pre-season alongside the versatile Patrick Dorgu.
Last month, Dorgu started United's opening two pre-season fixtures on the left wing, a position he is enjoying. "It's good to play a bit higher up [the pitch]. You have cover from your left-back and you have a bit more freedom on the pitch," he said.
"Hopefully I play many more games there to improve my game there and be even more sharp in that position."
As far as new additions go, United continue to be linked with a move for Newcastle's Lewis Hall, although getting a deal over the line is expected to be difficult.
At this stage, it appears unlikely that a new signing will feature against Hull, although full-back remains the most likely position to be strengthened before then, with Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas among the options being considered.
Topics: Man Utd, Premier League, Hull City, Michael Carrick
Jack Kenmare