Several stars will be keen to impress Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Image: Getty)
Manchester United will be hoping to make it five wins from their last five matches when they take on Fulham on Saturday. The Red Devils are struggling with numerous injuries at present, though the crisis is likely to allow fringe stars to prove their worth to newly-instated co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Express Sport takes a look at how Erik ten Hag’s side could line up…
Ten Hag has stood by Onana through thick and thin, and that is very unlikely to change before the end of the season. Although prone to a silly error or two, the ex-Ajax shot-stopper is starting to look more comfortable in United’s set-up and has improved in recent weeks.
Defence: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof
With Luke Shaw potentially ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, United’s full-back situation is a real dilemma for Ten Hag. Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the versatile Lisandro Martinez are all sidelined as well meaning that Lindelof becomes the likeliest candidate to be deployed on the left of a back four unless a youngster is entrusted with the responsibility.
Scott McTominay replaced Casemiro at half-time against Luton (Image: Getty)
Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes
Casemiro’s recklessness almost proved costly against Luton Town and he was incredibly fortunate not to be given his marching orders at Kenilworth Road. With the Red Devils under the magnifying glass of Ratcliffe, Ten Hag may not be in a position to take any chances and thus drop the Brazilian international.
McTominay may therefore enter the frame and start alongside Mainoo in midfield. The Scotland international has stepped up when his team has needed a hero on several occasions this season and few could argue that the academy graduate has not done enough to warrant a spot in the starting XI against Fulham.
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Antony could be handed an opportunity against Fulham this weekend (Image: Getty)
Forward: Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho
United announced on Friday that Rasmus Hojlund has suffered a muscle injury and will be ruled out for the next week weeks, meaning that Rashford may be forced to move back into the No. 9 role for the foreseeable future given the lack of available alternatives. The positional switch could therefore gift Antony the chance to showcase why he must remain as part of his side’s plans for the long term despite a shaky start to life in the Premier League. The Brazilian international has not started a league match since late December and now is an opportunity that he must capitalise on.
