How Manchester United could line up against Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag could select a second-string outfit for Sunday's pre-season friendly with La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao in Dublin.

The 20-time English champions will also be in action on Saturday afternoon against Lens at Old Trafford, and a first-choice XI is likely to take to the field for that particular contest.

As a result, the team that lines up against Athletic could include youngsters in the shape of Alvaro Fernandez, Hannibal Mejbri, Facundo Pellistri, Joe Hugill and Omari Forson.

Ten Hag substituted Forson in the first half against Borussia Dortmund last time out after he picked up a yellow card, but the 19-year-old could be given another opportunity to impress here.

There should still be plenty of familiar names, though, with Tom Heaton expected to start between the sticks, while Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could line up at the back.

Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen could also feature in central midfield, with Fred and Donny van de Beek not expected to play due to the speculation surrounding their futures.

Man United are reportedly hopeful of announcing Rasmus Hojlund's arrival from Atalanta BC ahead of the clash with Lens on Saturday, meaning that there is a slight chance that the Denmark international could make his debut for his new side in the clash with Athletic.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Heaton; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Fernandez; McTominay, Hannibal, Eriksen; Pellistri, Hugill, Forson