Erik ten Hag will have to make do without crucial defender Luke Shaw as he assembles his Manchester United lineup for the clash against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford tomorrow. Late news last night revealed that Shaw has sustained a significant injury that might see him sidelined for an extended duration.
Tyrell Malacia is Shaw’s natural replacement
Shaw’s natural replacement, Tyrell Malacia, remains unavailable due to an impact injury that rendered him inactive throughout the pre-season.
Further compounding matters, Mason Mount is also sidelined after suffering a thigh injury during the Spurs match, projecting a four to six-week absence. Kobbie Mainoo, Tom Heaton, and Amad are also on the injury list. Harry Maguire’s availability for the game remains uncertain at 50/50.
Harry Maguire’s availability for the game remains uncertain at 50/50.
In Mount’s stead, the void could be filled by Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, or Donny van de Beek. Eriksen, who was the preferred choice alongside Casemiro last season, appears the most plausible substitute.
The avoidance of Mount can be filled by Eriksen
Upfront, it’s likely that the manager will shake things up after his forwards failed to register goals or assists in the initial two fixtures of the season. Marcus Rashford, who appeared uneasy in the center-forward role, may return to the left wing in place of the less impactful Alejandro Garnacho.
Man Utd surely can count on this trio
Similarly, Antony’s struggles on the right wing might pave the way for Jadon Sancho or Facu Pellistri to take the stage. Anthony Martial could potentially regain the center-forward position, given his gradual return from injury. His involvement in the recent closed-door match against Burnley could have elevated his fitness to a suitable level for a starting role.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that new signing Rasmus Hojlund might be fit enough for a bench role or even a debut, but contrasting sources hint that his integration into the team might be deferred until after the international break.
Hojlund might be fit enough for a bench role
Considering all factors, our projection leans towards a Rashford–Martial–Sancho trio in the front line. On the defensive front, with Shaw’s absence, Ten Hag’s options encompass utilizing Diogo Dalot at left-back or introducing the promising yet relatively inexperienced Alvaro Fernandez. Alternatively, deploying Victor Lindelof at center-back and pushing Lisandro Martinez to the flank could be explored.
Ten Hag may change his tactics
With Andre Onana in goal, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Raphael Varane as the right-back and right-center-back respectively, and captain Bruno Fernandes taking on the number 8/10 role, this is our envisaged starting XI for tomorrow’s match.