Benjamin Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo to return to starting line-up – Predicted Man United XI vs Ipswich Town | OneFootball

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Manchester United could welcome Mason Mount back into their matchday squad when they travel to face Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Mount has trained this week but is expected to undergo a late fitness test before Michael Carrick finalises his team. The midfielder’s availability was among the key selection issues discussed in a recent interview previewing the game.

Carrick has no fresh injury concerns as United seek an immediate response to last Saturday’s damaging defeat by Hull City at Old Trafford.

That result may leave the head coach tempted to make changes, although a wholesale reshuffle appears unlikely. Several players should therefore receive an opportunity to put matters right at Ipswich.

Defence expected to remain settled

Senne Lammens will retain his place in goal.

Diogo Dalot is available as an alternative at right-back, but Noussair Mazraoui could be given another start. Luke Shaw is also expected to continue on the opposite side of the defence.

Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven may remain together at centre-back. Keeping that partnership would provide some continuity following a difficult collective display against Hull.

Lisandro Martinez represents the main alternative to Heaven. However, the Argentina international remains short of competitive minutes, which could make another start from the bench the more sensible approach.

Matthijs de Ligt has returned to training, offering Carrick another welcome boost. This weekend is nevertheless expected to come too soon for the defender to be restored to the starting line-up. Leny Yoro is also an option but unlikely to oust Maguire on the right side of the tandem.

Mainoo could benefit from midfield change

Youri Tielemans looked short of his best against Hull and could make way for Kobbie Mainoo. The academy graduate would bring energy and composure to the midfield.

Andrey Santos is expected to keep his place alongside Mainoo.

Mount gives Carrick another central midfield option if he passes his fitness test. The promising understanding Mount and Santos showed during pre-season could tempt the boss to restore the former Chelsea man, but easing him back from the bench may be preferable.

Fitness problems have repeatedly complicated Mount’s United career and have previously created selection dilemmas around other fixtures.

Sesko poised for recall

With Amad unavailable through injury, Bryan Mbeumo is likely to continue from the right wing. Bruno Fernandes will start as the number 10 and remains the side’s primary creative influence.

Matheus Cunha was ineffective acting as a false nine against Hull and will likely be moved back out to the left wing, to replace the equally ineffective Patrick Dorgu. Marcus Rashford is another option on that flank, leaving Carrick with a significant attacking decision despite Amad’s absence.

Ben Sesko is much needed to lead the line so could start even though he’s unlikely to manage the full game.

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