Whitwell: Carrick makes early selection decision vs Hull with youngster to be given chance to impress early doors

Ayden Heaven is poised to start Manchester United’s season-opener away to Hull City this Saturday instead of Lisandro Martinez.

According to Laurie Whitwell, United want Martinez to continue working his way to full fitness after being brought off injured in the World Cup final last month.

Heaven to make first start of 2026/2027 on matchday one

The Argentine did play in United’s final pre-season clash against AC Milan, but only for half an hour.

As for Heaven, he has featured prominently and impressed throughout pre-season, making it no surprise Michael Carrick is ready to trust him for United’s first outing of the term.

Harry Maguire will presumably be deployed alongside the 19-year-old to have the ideal balance of youth and experience as the Reds take on the newly-promoted Tigers.

Heaven’s league record last season (Transfermarkt)

Who else might make the starting 11 this weekend?

Elsewhere, it remains to be seen what XI Carrick will opt for to set the tone for the campaign ahead.

Marcus Rashford donned United colours for the first time since December 2024 when he came off the bench against Milan in Poland, but he is up against Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo when battling for a starting spot.

There are hopes Benjamin Sesko will return from his shin injury in time to be involved in some form, as he has not featured once during United’s summer preparations.

The Slovenian missed the final three fixtures of 2025/2026, so was unable to add to his 11 Premier League goals.

Fans will, however, be hoping to see Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos make their competitive debuts following their summer switches from Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively.

Kick-off is pencilled in for 12.30pm at the MKM Stadium.

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