Man Utd predicted XI vs Hull City: Sesko’s absence sparks dilemma, £83m midfield unleashed

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Utd Report

·22 August 2026

Man Utd predicted XI vs Hull City: Sesko’s absence sparks dilemma, £83m midfield unleashed

Manchester United will start their Premier League campaign with an away fixture against the newly promoted Hull City.

The league contest will take place at the MKM Stadium. It kicks off on Saturday at 12:30 UK time.

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The Man Utd supporters are eagerly awaiting to see their beloved team in action for the first time since May, at least in a competitive fixture.

Man United probable lineup in Hull

Since Michael Carrick’s appointment, the Red Devils have been playing with a traditional 4-2-3-1 formation.

Senne Lammens has a new understudy in Karl Darlow, who replaced Altay Bayindir, but the Belgian’s starting spot remains a given.

In the backline, Ayden Heaven should get the nod alongside Harry Maguire, as Lisandro Martinez has yet to reach his best physical condition.

Diogo Dalot is the favourite to start at right-back ahead of Noussair Mazraoui, while Luke Shaw is the only natural option on the left side, as Man Utd have yet to buy a new left-back.

In the middle of the park, Carrick will field Man Utd’s first two summer signings, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, who cost the club a combined £83 million. Kobbie Mainoo, who returned late from his post-World Cup vacation, will start on the bench, while Mason Mount is out with an injury.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes is assured of a spot in front of the double pivot.

Who will replace Benjamin Sesko?

After missing all pre-season matches, Benjamin Sesko certainly won’t start, so Carrick must find himself another forward to lead the line.

Although Joshua Zirkzee is the main replacement, the Dutchman is unlikely to get the nod. Instead, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are the main suspects.

The Cameroonian featured several times as a centre-forward during pre-season, so he could be entrusted with the role once more.

This would open up space for Amad Diallo on the right wing, while Cunha should start on the left, even though he has yet to hit his peak condition, which could leave an opening for Patrick Dorgu.