Erik ten Hag's plans for Manchester United starting side could be about to become clearer

Similar set-up?

Pre-seasons can set the tone for a new season. Louis van Gaal selected a near-unchanged team across Manchester United's four-match pre-season tour of the United States in 2015 and the line-up on the first day against Tottenham included nine of the starters in their first friendly against Club America.

Erik ten Hag will hope to have at least three significant signings by the time United play Brighton in 23 days but he has quickly established a selection hierarchy with his first starting side.

Melbourne Victory are the weakest of the six sides United are playing this month but maintaining rhythm could be beneficial for a team undergoing an identity change.

Read more: Ten Hag opens up on Van de Beek

Returning players?

Axel Tuanzebe has returned to Manchester but Harry Maguire and James Garner are in Australia after missing the Liverpool match in Bangkok. Eric Bailly endeared himself to his loyalists against Liverpool and the captaincy call has increased the pressure on Maguire.

Settling on first-teamers?

Until Christian Eriksen, Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez arrive, Ten Hag has to settle on starters for Brighton. Victor Lindelof excelled next to Raphael Varane and Bailly was the star centre-back yet Maguire is the captain.

Bruno Fernandes was nearer his optimum during his 45 minutes against Liverpool and while Cristiano Ronaldo is in Lisbon there are opportunities for Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Chance for youngsters?

Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho were unused against Liverpool and are pushing for permanent inclusion in Ten Hag's first-team squad. Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage, not as hyped, acquitted themselves impressively against Liverpool and will hope to kick on.

READ NEXT: