Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot are vying for a spot in Erik ten Hag's starting XI for our Premier League opener against Wolves tonight (Monday) and both defenders were given the nod in different games across our pre-season.

Ahead of this evening's clash, Hirst gave us his thoughts on the side he thinks Ten Hag will line up with

You can also predict the starting XI via United Predictions in our app.

“If you asked me that a few weeks ago, I would have definitely said Wan-Bissaka [would start],” said Hirst.

“But I would probably go with Dalot at the moment. I think he is better at going forward, although Wan-Bissaka has improved in that department. Wolves will be on the back foot and invite United to attack so Dalot would be my choice.

“It is good for Ten Hag that he has proper competition there now. It is one of the most keenly competitive areas of the squad now.”

It isn't just the defence that is a contentious area of the pitch for United though, as the question of where new signing Mason Mount will slot into the midfield also sparks debate. Will our new no.7 play in the no.8 or no.10 position?

“In one pre-season game, against Arsenal, United played 4-3-3 and then it was 4-2-3-1 with Mount as a no.10,” recalled Hirst.

“In my opinion, I think the perfect balance is to have a 4-3-3 with Bruno and Mount as the most advanced [midfielders].

“I think they are both really good at pressing and Ten Hag always mentions that as one of the best traits he looks for. Them two pushing for the front is as important as their creativity.”

Moving into attack, the journalist also says one particular wide man stood out in pre-season, and he is keen to see how he begins the new campaign.

“I am really excited about Garnacho this season,” said Hirst. “He's got that fearlessness about him and runs against players. He doesn't care who he is playing with. I think he will start on the left, with Rashford in the middle and Antony on the right.

“I think at the moment [Antony] is the only player that can slot into that position. Antony just grafts and I remember seeing his first match and he's getting back into the right-back area and getting the ball. That's a real boost.”

PAUL HIRST'S PREDICTED XI

Onana
Dalot
Varane
Martinez
Shaw
Casemiro
Mount
Fernandes (c)
Antony
Rashford
Garnacho