Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is concerned with his side's woeful form
Manchester United host Galatasaray at Old Trafford in the Champions League on Tuesday as Erik ten Hag’s aim to get off the mark in Group A. The Dutchman has some big decisions to make after United suffered their fifth defeat of the season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Antony is back in contention after taking a month-long leave of absence to address allegations of abuse in Brazil.
The 23-year-old has vehemently denied all accusations and voluntarily supported the police investigation in his homeland and Manchester.
But Antony has missed five games, leaving Ten Hag with an important call as he weighs up alternative solutions on the right side of his attack.
Express Sport runs through the likely Red Devils side against Galatasaray, featuring one change from the weekend’s disappointing result.
Goalkeeper – Onana
Ten Hag has hailed backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for how he has settled at United after his deadline-day arrival.
But he opted to stick with Onana for the Carabao Cup triumph over Palace seven days ago, so it’s unlikely he will drop out for such a crucial European tie.
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Defence – Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat
Ten Hag has few options even if he wanted to switch up his defence, given Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon remain injured.
Therefore, seeing United unchanged at the back wouldn’t be surprising. Diogo Dalot’s form has been a positive in recent weeks; he is the club’s only fit senior full-back.
Sofyan Amrabat struggled at left-back on Saturday after a promising debut, clumsily conceding the free-kick that led to Palace’s winner. But he should keep his place amid a crisis in the position.
Raphael Varane will start after conducting a press conference on Monday. Despite his poor display on Saturday, Victor Lindelof is expected to be preferred over the out-of-favour Harry Maguire.
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Midfield – Casemiro, Hannibal, Mount
Ten Hag could revert to the midfield that impressed in the 3-0 cup win against Palace last week, involving the sole change to his side.
Casemiro appears undroppable, and the five-time Champions League winner is bound to keep his place at the anchor of the midfield.
Mason Mount should start a third consecutive game after catching the eye since his return from injury.
Hannibal Mejbri may get the nod over Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay after a string of commendable performances in recent weeks, replacing Facundo Pellistri.
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Attack – Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund
Pellistri’s withdrawal would leave a gap on the right, but Tuesday will likely come too soon for Antony, who will need to build up match fitness off the bench.
Bruno Fernandes is a likely candidate to move out wide, or Ten Hag could return to a diamond system with the United captain as the spearhead.
Marcus Rashford has scored just once this season, but Ten Hag has praised him for the positions he is getting into, believing goals will come naturally.
The No 10 should partner Rasmus Hojlund in attack as the pair continue to strike up their connection to solve United’s goalscoring woes.
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