Two positions in Manchester United's Premier League opener are still undecided! Mount vs Tielemans, Sesko races against time

After completing two friendly matches this week, Manchester United will kick off the new season with an away game against Hull City. Carrick's starting lineup is taking shape, with only the right-back and defensive midfield roles yet to be confirmed. New £35 million signing Youri Tielemans will compete for a starting spot with Mason Mount, who has shifted to defensive midfield. Meanwhile, it is still unclear whether Diogo Dalot or Mazraoui will be the first-choice right-back.

Although he hasn't played in any warm-up matches, Senna Ramens' place as the starting goalkeeper is beyond doubt. The center-back pairing in front of him will be Harry Maguire and Eden Heaven, who have started every friendly as the central defenders. Left-back Luke Shaw, provided he stays fit, is equally secure in his role.

Manchester United are currently training in Dublin, Ireland. Apart from Ugarte, who is out for the season, and Lisandro Martínez, who played in the World Cup final, the entire squad has reported. It is reported that Licha, who was injured in the World Cup final, returned to the club on Monday but appeared at the Carrington training base rather than the training camp in County Kildare. United arranged for the 28-year-old Argentine defender to train alone on the grass. Given Licha's injury history, Carrick will certainly not risk starting him in the Premier League without adequate training.

Another center-back, De Ligt, traveled with the team to Ireland, but he has not fully recovered from surgery three months ago and cannot participate in full team training or matches. The Dutchman joined the trip because Carrick wants the players to stay together and engage in team-building activities. De Ligt has yet to train normally with the squad and will miss the early fixtures of the new Premier League season.

In the defensive midfield position of the 4-2-3-1 formation, new £50 million signing Andre Santos has secured one spot. His partner will be chosen from Tielemans, Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo has just returned to the team, did not play in the World Cup, and missed the first four friendlies, making him the least likely to start in the opener.

Mount has been partnering Santos in the friendlies, both of whom are former Chelsea players. The first-round opponent, Hull City, is a newly promoted Premier League side, so United's lack of a strong defensive midfielder might not be a major issue. However, Tielemans impressed in his debut, and fans are more eager to see him play.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes' starting position is rock solid. No matter how well young talent Shea Lacey performs in friendlies, he can at most compete for a substitute spot. On Bruno Fernandes' right side will be Amad Diallo, because Mbeumo will play as a center-forward. The left-wing starter is expected to be Patrick Dorgu, who has participated in the full pre-season training, while Cunha and Rashford only joined the team this week and haven't played any matches yet.

€85 million center-forward Sesko has to face another setback at the start of the season. Due to a calf injury, he has not yet resumed normal training and is definitely out of Wednesday's match against Leeds United. The earliest he could return is in the friendly against AC Milan. If he manages that, Sesko might be a substitute in the opening round; otherwise, he may miss the squad entirely.

Last summer, due to transfer issues, Sesko missed training with RB Leipzig and also missed all of Manchester United's pre-season camps and matches. As a result, he sat on the bench for the first three league games against Arsenal, Fulham, and Burnley. He made his debut start in the League Cup against Grimsby, but his performance was not ideal—he even suffered cramps while playing against a League Two side.

It wasn't until September 27, after the first international break of the season, that Sesko scored his first goal for Manchester United, against Brentford. He scored again in the following match against Sunderland, but that was the sum of his goals in the first half of the season.

Sesko is eager to get into form earlier in his second season, but unfortunately, he will still lack match fitness. This means the 22-year-old Slovenian striker may face another slow start to the new season. However, he has already adapted to the Premier League and might find his rhythm faster. Manchester United's first two matches are against newly promoted sides Hull City and Ipswich Town, a schedule that should help players gradually get into gear.

Predicted Manchester United starting XI for the first round: Ramens/Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Luke Shaw/Santos, Tielemans/Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu/Mbeumo.