How Man Utd Might Line Up for Premier League Opener vs. Hull as They Are Seen as Big Favourites
Great news for football fans—Premier League is almost here as the teams wrap up pre-season! Manchester United will start their 2026-27 season with an away game at the MKM Stadium against newly-promoted Hull City. One exciting possibility is seeing their new summer signing Andrey Santos in action.
Santos joined United from Chelsea this summer for about £50 million and has already impressed in pre-season games against Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid. Michael Carrick praised him after the Atletico match, saying Santos plays smart, puts his teammates first, and has settled in well.
United still have three friendlies left this summer against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds, and AC Milan. But right now, Santos is a favorite to start the Hull game, according to the Manchester Evening News.
So, who else might be in the starting lineup on August 22? Let’s take a look.
Starting with the easy picks: goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who was a star last season and even played for Belgium in the World Cup, cut his holiday short to get ready. He’s expected to keep his spot.
The defense is less certain. Luke Shaw played every Premier League game last season and will likely start if healthy. Harry Maguire also was a regular, but the rest of the back four is up for grabs. Lisandro Martinez, who finished last season strong, could start despite some fitness issues. Younger players like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have been getting some game time in pre-season, while Matthijs De Ligt is still out. Diogo Dalot could also start if fit, with Noussair Mazraoui pushing for a place after a strong World Cup.
In midfield, captain Bruno Fernandes is a sure starter. Mason Mount and Andrey Santos are the front-runners to join him, both having impressed in pre-season. Mount praised Santos’s game intelligence and defensive qualities, which frees Mount to play more forward. Another new signing, Youri Tielemens, is expected to be ready soon but might miss the Hull game. Kobbie Mainoo, who didn’t play in the World Cup, is still building fitness and should be back for the Leeds match.
Up front, the likely attacking trio is Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo. Cunha and Mbeumo are back in training, while Sesko is recovering from an injury and will join team sessions soon.
Carrick has some tough choices, especially on the wings. Amad has impressed, and Patrick Dorgu has even enjoyed playing as a left winger, where he feels freer and hopes to get more games.
As for new signings, United are still linked with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, though a deal looks tricky. It seems unlikely anyone new will play against Hull, but United may still sign a full-back—Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas is one name being looked at.
All in all, the stage is set for an exciting season opener!