The United skipper was close to returning after injury against Bury on Tuesday night but Simon Grayson decided to give him a while longer to recover.
Midfielder Andy Robinson and defender Alan Sheehan, who have both been told they do not figure in Grayson's plans, also appear for the first time this summer.
There are places as well for striker Davide Somma and winger Max Gradel, who both miss the season's start through suspensions.