Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has some decisions to make when his players return to Carrington this week.
United have suffered two defeats in their first four games and the tough fixtures are set to keep coming for the Reds. A home clash with Brighton is next up when the Premier League resumes and will be followed by a trip to Bayern Munich in midweek as the Champions League group stage gets underway and Ten Hag will be contemplating tactical tweaks after an unsteady start.
However, Jadon Sancho’s future at the club looks uncertain after a public disagreement between player and manager over why he was left out against Arsenal. United have also confirmed that Antony will not be returning to training “until further notice” following allegations of abuse, while the talented Ivorian winger Amad is also unavailable through injury.
We’ve had a look at how United may choose to line up in attack against Roberto De Zerbi’s side amid a lack of options…
READ: United confirm Antony absence until further notice
Pellistri given chance
The lack of available options on the right flank may present Facundo Pellistri with an opportunity to truly stake his claim for a regular place in the starting XI. The Uruguay international has made two cameo appearances so far this season after featuring on a total of 10 occasions last term.
United were thought to be open to a loan move for Pellistri, 21, during the summer in order for him to gain first team experience. However, being a natural right winger, his inclusion in the United side would allow Ten Hag to keep Marcus Rashford in his best position on the left and provide Rasmus Hojlund with the chance to prove himself as United’s number nine.
Mount experiment
If Ten Hag decides Pellistri is not ready for a regular starting spot on the flank, he has other options. The United boss used Bruno Fernandes out wide at points last season but perhaps has signed a new player that is better suited to the role.
Mason Mount has played 46 games as a wide midfielder throughout his career, according to Transfermarkt, and may help bring the stability that United’s midfield has craved, when he returns to fitness. He reportedly has an outside chance of being available for Brighton’s visit. The former Chelsea man has struggled next to Casemiro but could be more attack-minded out on the right, while helping the Reds press from the front, alongside Rashford and Hojlund.
Garnacho back in from the start
While Hojlund showed positive signs on his United debut as a substitute, Ten Hag could choose to ease him into becoming the club’s main striker. Anthony Martial may be fit but the manager has shown that he is not averse to deploying Rashford as a centre-forward.
This would create a gap on the left to be filled by Alejandro Garnacho. Meanwhile, Pellistri remains United’s only recognised right-sided forward.
Rashford, though, has struggled as a central striker throughout his career while Garnacho has shown himself to be more effective as a starter than a substitute so far in his fledgling career.
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