Man Utd have spent €272.4m to bring five of Erik ten Hag’s former Ajax players to Old Trafford in the past two years. Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are two of the players set to join the club

The Red Devils are hoping to improve on last season’s finish of eighth in England’s top flight but, despite a busy summer in the transfer window, their Dutch manager is without a few key players as he attempts to build on the morale-boosting FA Cup win earlier this year.

Here’s United’s predicted lineup to take on the visiting Cottagers on Friday night.:

GK: Andre Onana – Improved pretty markedly during the second half of last season, having played a disappointingly large role in United’s early exit from the Champions League with some shocking mistakes.

RB: Diogo Dalot – One of few players who came out of the 2023/24 campaign with an enhanced reputation, Dalot impressed with his direct running and contributions in the final third.

CB: Matthijs de Ligt – A potentially game-changing arrival from Bayern Munich, the Dutchman could slot straight into the starting XI alongside a fellow Ajax alumnus.

CB: Lisandro Martinez – The Red Devils are undeniably more comfortable in defence with their butcher in the back four. Martinez’s fitness will once again be pivotal to United’s prospects this season.

LB: Noussair Mazraoui – The second half of the double swoop from Bayern, Morocco international Mazraoui may have to show his versatility on debut at Old Trafford by playing on the left with Luke Shaw still building up his fitness.

CM: Casemiro – The 2023/24 campaign was one of Casemiro’s worst in his senior career and had a few pundits whispering those four horrible words: “His legs have gone.” Having been tipped for a transfer away during the summer, the Brazilian will be keen to prove his doubters wrong.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo – It was a stunning breakout campaign for Mainoo last time out, scoring the winner in the FA Cup final and establishing himself in England’s team at Euro 2024. He’s still only 19 years of age.

RW: Alejandro Garnacho – Dragged United back into the Community Shield with a brilliant individual effort and is now an established part of Ten Hag’s regular XI.

LW: Marcus Rashford – Another player with a few things to prove this season, Rashford suffered an injury scare during a summer friendly against Liverpool but started against City and should do again on Friday night.

AM: Bruno Fernandes – Bruno Fernandes is certain to play as the #10, with Mason Mount available to provide backup.

ST: Joshua Zirkzee – The striker position is likely to go to Joshua Zirkzee, Man Utd’s other new signing with Rasmus Hojlund ruled out for the start of the season. If the Dutch number nine can impress, he could make the starting berth his own at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag will be without Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro as they are currently recovering from injury.