Which players are we most intrigued to see on Saturday?

Friday 20 October 2023 08:00

Manchester United are back in action this weekend, as we travel to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday.

The 20:00 BST kick-off is the first opportunity for Reds supporters to watch Erik ten Hag's side after the international break, and given the way we went into into it, there's cause for optimism.

Scott McTominay's late brace snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Brentford and our players went away with a spring in their step.

That win served as a springboard for Reds competing for their nations, with the likes of our captain Bruno Fernandes, as well as strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford finding the net during the break.

Now, as the return of the Premier League beckons, our writers selected one United player each who they are interesting in seeing when the season resumes. Do you agree?

SCOTT MCTOMINAY

If there’s one player we’d all want to pick up where he left off following the resumption of the Premier League, it’s undoubtedly Scott McTominay. Scotty’s last-gasp heroics against Brentford in our most recent match got us back to winning ways and sent us into the international break in a positive frame of mind, and with the manager’s praise ringing in his ears. "He is Manchester United in everything and in his heart," said Erik ten Hag following McTominay’s match-winning double. "So he's playing for the badge. He gives his life. And when you're coming on and you give this to the team, it tells a lot."

 

In his subsequent international commitments, McTominay faced two of the world’s top teams in Spain and France, and returns to Carrington with a spring in his step as Scotland’s place in next summer’s European Championship was confirmed. So whether he is handed a starting berth against Sheffield United on Saturday night, or once more used as a potentially vital sub, the midfielder will be ready to make a big impact on the match. As he said himself after that dramatic Brentford match, “I feel like now is the time [to push on] – things like this can be the catalyst to push forward.”

 

Ian McLeish

MARCUS RASHFORD

Rashford's goal against Italy will have been deja vu for United fans, as he squared up multiple defenders and darted in off the left before arrowing a fine finish into the net, giving Gianluigi Donnarumma no chance at all. Our no.10 has performed this exact move for the Reds time and time again, and hopefully it is a sign that the fearless, direct forward that notched 30 goals last season has returned.

That's not to say that Rashy went anywhere, because with the influx of new talent at the club in the summer, including striker Rasmus Hojlund, it would have taken any player time to adapt to the new-look side. Against Galatasaray, we saw a sample of what to expect when both Rashford and Hojlund get in full flow and, earlier in the season, Marcus's goal away at Arsenal showed that same raw pace and clinical finishing he has always possessed. He has often said he prefers to be on the left and that finish for England against Italy demonstrates what he can do from that position. That combination of Rashford and Hojlund, with an in-form Bruno Fernandes behind them, is a daunting prospect for any defence on the planet.

Joe Nelson

Rashford and Hojlund score in European qualifiers

 Article

The two Manchester United strikers were on target as their respective nations won on Tuesday.

HARRY MAGUIRE

It was good to see our no.5 following up his contribution to the dramatic win over Brentford with an impressive display for England against Italy. It is easy to see why the centre-back will be desperate to feature against the club where it all started for him, and he’ll be seeing if he can build some momentum.

As a Sheffield lad, the 30-year-old must be relishing the occasion and his aerial ability could prove more than useful, if he retains his place at the heart of the defence. There is competition for places in that area, particularly if Raphael Varane is fit again after we saw him training on Thursday, but we all know what Harry can bring to a game, and potentially bruising battle, like this.

Adam Marshall

United v Brentford: Every second of injury-time Video

United v Brentford: Every second of injury-time

See how a dramatic injury-time period played out at Old Trafford on Saturday...

SOFYAN AMRABAT

With Casemiro ruled out of the trip to South Yorkshire, I’m intrigued to see how our on-loan Moroccan man anchors the midfield. After a stint at left-back, Sofyan finally played in his preferred position against Brentford prior to the international break and, although it was his replacement Scott McTominay who stole the headlines that day, there was plenty of encouragement to be had from our no.4’s performance.

With Sofyan not involved for the Atlas Lions during their games against Liberia and Ivory Coast, he should be fresh and ready to perform at a ground where we can expect a blood-and-thunder contest, with the Blades struggling back in the top flight.

Sam Carney

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