Erik ten Hag’s team selection plans for Saturday’s FA Cup final could be impacted by the absence of two key players.
Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday that Anthony Martial is set to miss the clash against Manchester City through injury.” The France international strained his hamstring towards the end of Sunday’s 2-1 win against Fulham at Old Trafford,” the club said via a statement on their website. “Assessments have since revealed a muscle tear that rules the 27-year-old out of the Wembley showdown.”
While Martial has definitely been ruled out, Ten Hag will be hoping he can call upon the services of Antony for the final. The Brazilian was taken off on a stretcher during last week’s win over Chelsea and it was initially assumed the ex-Ajax man had sustained a long-term problem. But Ten Hag gave an encouraging update on Antony at the weekend. “We’ve all seen how he came off and it didn’t look great but the first assessment is not too bad,” said the United boss. “There is a good opportunity he is available for the cup final next week.”
Regardless, there’s still a high possibility that Antony won’t be involved at Wembley this weekend, and Ten Hag will be planning for an alternative if the 23-year-old is absent.
Elsewhere, Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek and Marcel Sabitzer have been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to injury.
With all that in mind, here’s how we think United will line up for Saturday’s FA Cup final against City…
1. GK: David de Gea
Beat City’s Ederson to the Premier League Golden Glove award.
2. RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Started five in a row prior to being rested against Fulham last week. Wan-Bissaka could be better suited to facing City’s tricky wingers, compared to Diogo Dalot.
3. CB: Raphael Varane
One of the first names on the teamsheet, and the Frenchman ended the campaign in good form.
4. CB: Victor Lindelof
Expected to start above Harry Maguire at centre-back.