Erik ten Hag will have to manage without one of his Manchester United stalwarts when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes has played every single minute so far in the Premier League this season, but is suspended for this weekend after he picked up a fifth booking of the campaign in last week’s win over West Ham United. It means Ten Hag will have to find an alternative way of playing at Villa Park.
One possibility is Christian Eriksen pushes into a more advanced area, although Fred and Scott McTominay have also played further up at various points this season. Marcus Rashford has also played just off Cristiano Ronaldo in two of the last three games and could be deployed there again.
Donny van de Beek offers another alternative for Ten Hag. The midfielder returned from injury in the midweek win over Real Sociedad but didn’t impress and was withdrawn just before the hour mark in the final Europa League group game.
Elsewhere, Ten Hag does have a lack of options in the attacking areas, as shown by the decision to throw Harry Maguire up front on Thursday. Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial are all doubts for the weekend and may not be involved at Villa Park, which means Rashford is more likely to play on the wing with Alejandro Garnacho or Anthony Elanga on the opposite flank. Ronaldo is expected to continue as a central striker.
In defence, Lisandro Martinez will probably be selected alongside Victor Lindelof or Maguire, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw in the full-back positions. Here’s how we think United will line up at Villa Park…
One possibility is Christian Eriksen pushes into a more advanced area, although Fred and Scott McTominay have also played further up at various points this season. Marcus Rashford has also played just off Cristiano Ronaldo in two of the last three games and could be deployed there again.
5. LB: Luke Shaw
Tyrell Malacia is an option but Shaw is playing well and expected to stay in place at left-back.
6. CM: Casemiro
Another who has impressed of late and was voted United’s Player of the Month for October.
7. CM: Christian Eriksen
Has tended to play in a deeper role this season and Ten Hag has been reluctant to play him further forward.
8. CAM: Fred
Ten Hag has played Fred further higher up a few times this season and either he or Scott McTominay will probably start in place of Fernandes.