Cristiano Ronaldo benched: Man Utd’s likely XI for start of 2022-23 season

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start on the bench for Manchester United’s opening Premier League fixture of the 2022-23 season against Brighton.

Erik ten Hag takes charge of the Red Devils in a competitive match for the first time on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.

And the Dutch coach, who has already made a positive impact on his squad throughout pre-season, has already made one huge call regarded the club’s star player.

According to The Sun’s Neil Custis, Ronaldo will be named among the substitutes this weekend.

Ten Hag will instead opt for the front three who have impressed as a unit this summer: Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Ronaldo reportedly still wants to leave United before the transfer window closes, although a lack of interest from other clubs may mean the 37-year-old has little choice but to stay at the Theatre of Dreams.

Now that we know what United’s front three will look like for the start of the new season, let’s have a go at predicting the rest of the XI.

Goalkeeper: David de Gea

A pretty safe bet this one, especially now that Dean Henderson has been loaned to Nottingham Forest.

David de Gea is unlikely to have his place taken by 36-year-old Tom Heaton.

Right-back: Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot has started most of United’s pre-season games while Ten Hag is reportedly not Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s biggest fan. 

Centre-back: Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has his critics but Ten Hag has allowed the English centre-back to keep the captain’s armband this season. Therefore, it would be a surprise if the 29-year-old isn’t in United’s starting line-up for the Brighton game.

Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez impressed during his first appearance for Manchester United against Rayo Vallecano