Football Digest: Analysing Man Utd's failed recruitment
Manchester United were handed their first defeat of the 2023/24 Premier League season last weekend against Tottenham, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping that his side can bounce back against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Steve Cooper’s side won’t be a rollover though and changes will be required to secure all three points, Express Sport takes a look at how they could line up…
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Summer signing Andre Onana wasn’t to blame for any of Tottenham’s three goals last weekend, and he will undoubtedly retain his spot between the sticks at Old Trafford. The Cameroon international is building a strong connection with United’s first-choice centre-back partnership and that relationship must develop further if the trio are to thrive.
Defence: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot
Luke Shaw’s injury has been revealed to be ‘longer’ than first anticipated and he will be sidelined for a matter of months, with Tyrell Malacia also ruled out for the next few weeks. Therefore, Diogo Dalot is the likeliest candidate to slot into left-back given that Aaron Wan-Bissaka has managed to keep the Portugal international out of Ten Hag’s starting XI with strong defensive displays.
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Midfield: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen
Ten Hag has shot down claims that his midfield has been his problem so far this season, but an injury to Mason Mount could allow him to finally provide Casemiro with some more defensive help. Christian Eriksen looks the likeliest candidate to enter the fray given that he formed a solid partnership with the Brazilian last season and is capable of creating from deep.
A spell on the sidelines overlooking Eriksen and how he works in Ten Hag’s system could also help Mount understand what his role will be when he returns to fitness. The England international has struggled so far at Old Trafford and often been criticised for roaming out of position and leaving Casemiro isolated.
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Forwards: Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford
United’s attack has looked toothless without an out-and-out No 9 in their opening two matches of the campaign, and questions have to be raised of why Jadon Sancho has not led the line to allow Marcus Rashford to his favoured left-wing position. Sancho played as a makeshift false nine in pre-season and didn’t look out of place in the role, and he looks the next in line to be trialled as a striker given that Anthony Martial played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley in midweek.
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