Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday, when the Red Devils face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Given United’s horrendous recent showings at home, Erik ten Hag’s side may secretly be pleased to play without the pressure of an expectant Old Trafford crowd. After two successive 3-0 losses, the spotlight is well and truly fixed on Ten Hag at present.
If the Dutchman thought the pummeling his team took from Manchester City last weekend was bad, the ease at which Newcastle United’s second-string side dispatched the Red Devils on Wednesday night was alarming.
Ten Hag said after that Carabao Cup elimination that he is a ‘fighter’ but he can’t afford many more performances like the two exhibited over the last week.
The United boss also brought in several fringe members of the squad for Wednesday’s game, although none impressed as a Newcastle team that started with five full-backs and no striker tore the hosts apart.
The likes of Mason Mount, Hannibal, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial are unlikely to retain their places at Craven Cottage, even if the regular starters aren’t impressing either. Marcus Rashford now has one goal in 14 this season, Harry Maguire was poor again on Wednesday and no midfield combination has worked effectively all campaign.
There will be at least one change from the Newcastle loss, with Ten Hag revealing after the game that Casemiro is out for this weekend’s trip to the capital, while one of United’s long-term injuries returned on Wednesday.
With that in mind, here’s how we think Ten Hag could set up on Saturday against Fulham.
1. GK: Andre Onana
The one United player who has had a good few weeks, and Onana has played well since returning from the recent international break.
2. RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Returned to the team on Wednesday as a half-time substitute. Assuming the right-back is fit enough to start, he will most probably replace Diogo Dalot.
3. CB: Harry Maguire
After a good run of recent form, the defender put in another underwhelming display on Wednesday.
4. CB: Raphael Varane
With Victor Lindelof a doubt, Varane could come back into the starting XI.