Erik ten Hag has a welcome yet unprecedented selection decision to make ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Barcelona.
The Red Devils manager has been working with limited midfield options over recent weeks, with Casemiro suspended in the Premier League, Scott McTominay injured and Marcel Sabitzer missing last week’s first leg against Barcelona due to an accumulation of yellow cards. But all three are back for Thursday’s second leg, meaning for the first time since Sabitzer’s arrival on loan, Ten Hag must decide whether to select the on-loan Bayern Munich midfielder on the bench or in the starting XI.
Previously, the United boss had no choice but to start the Austrian, with Fred and Bruno Fernandes also options on Thursday for Ten Hag, who claimed in his pre-match press conference that he ‘had a plan’ for Barcelona. He also revealed Harry Maguire and Antony are available for selection again, meaning United’s options have also been boosted at centre-back and on the wings.
Right-back poses another interesting choice for the Dutchman, who selected Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of Diogo Dalot at the Nou Camp but started the latter at the weekend against Leicester City.
He also must decide whether to recall Jadon Sancho to the starting line-up on Thursday following his excellent performance off the bench in the 3-0 victory over the Foxes. The former Borussia Dortmund man operated through the middle in the second half, with Wout Weghorst playing up top and Marcus Rashford off the left, although in recent weeks Weghorst has also been deployed in a no.10 role and Rashford has thrived playing as a central striker.
Therefore, there are plenty of potential line-ups Ten Hag could name against Barcelona - here’s the one we think he’ll go for…
1. GK: David de Gea
Put in a superb performance at the weekend and could break the record for most United clean sheets with a shutout against Barcelona.
2. RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Rested on Sunday and likely to come back into the team.
3. CB: Raphael Varane
In the same boat as Wan-Bissaka and was selected as the pre-match press conference player, usually a sign he’ll start.
4. CB: Lisandro Martinez
Missed last week’s game through suspension but will almost certainly start the second leg.