Manchester United will be forced to select an unorthodox midfield for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.
The Red Devils will be without Casemiro due to suspension, while Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are all ruled out through injury. Erik ten Hag may opt to select the three fit, senior midfielders he currently has - Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Marcel Sabitizer - but there is concern whether the latter will be fully up to speed and ready for such a gritty encounter.
Switching to 4-4-2, is one alternative, as is pushing Lisandro Martinez or Victor Lindelof into midfield, while Marcus Rashford could play off Wout Weghorst if required. However, the latter poses a problem given Antony has picked up a knock and United are also light of options in the wide areas.
Ten Hag will have to choose one of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnaho or Facundo Pellistri to replace Antony, and potentially a second might start if Rashford plays through the middle. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial’s latest injury means Weghorst is the only real option up front.
Goalkeeper and defence look more certain, even if Diogo Dalot’s return from a recent knock offers one minor selection headache for Ten Hag. The Portugal international is United’s first-choice right-back but is unlikely to oust Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the team at present and may need to rebuild his fitness having hardly featured since the World Cup.
With all that in mind, here’s how we think United will set up for the match against Leeds.
Switching to 4-4-2, is one alternative, as is pushing Lisandro Martinez or Victor Lindelof into midfield, while Marcus Rashford could play off Wout Weghorst if required. However, the latter poses a problem given Antony has picked up a knock and United are also light of options in the wide areas.
5. LB: Luke Shaw
Provided an assist for Rashford at the weekend and was good going forward.
6. CM: Fred
Will have a greater defensive responsibility given Casemiro’s absence.
7. CM: Bruno Fernandes
Expected to play in a deeper position due to the lack of options in the centre.
8. RW: Alejandro Garnacho
More likely to start above Sancho at present given the latter has only recently returned to the team.