An optimistic Erik ten Hag harbours hopes of going one better in the FA Cup this season.
Manchester United were beaten in the 2023 final by their now even noisier neighbours to conclude a nonetheless promising campaign for the Red Devils. Such promise has been less obvious in 2023/24, although Ten Hag’s side have progressed into the fifth round of the competition.
Away victories over Wigan and Newport County have set up their upcoming tie with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
United were beaten at the City Ground at the end of 2023 and few would be surprised if the hosts prevail in midweek. Nonetheless, here’s how Ten Hag could set up his United side for this cup tie.
GK: Andre Onana – There will be no rotation between the sticks, even if Onana has kept just two cleets in 2024.
RB: Diogo Dalot – One of United’s steadiest performers as of late, Dalot could be used at left-back in Luke Shaw’s absence but Ten Hag preferred to go down another route on Saturday with Aaron Wan-Bissaka still out.
CB: Raphael Varane – Defensive absences mean United’s centre-back pairing picks itself.
CB: Harry Maguire – Maguire was fortunate to escape red before he equalised late on for the Red Devils against Fulham. His mere booking at the weekend means he’s available in midweek.
LB: Victor Lindelof – With Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia all out, Ten Hag has turned to Lindelof to fill the left-back void.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – Mainoo has functioned as a beacon of hope for United this term, and he’s a sure bet to keep his place in midfield.
CM: Christian Eriksen – The Dane has played a sporadic role since returning from injury, but Ten Hag could rotate his midfield veterans and remove Casemiro for Eriksen to partner Mainoo.
RM: Antony – The out-of-favour winger scored his first goal in 12 years in the fourth-round win at Newport County. Antony is barely getting Premier League minutes, but he could make another cup appearance.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Amid the turbulence, it doesn’t feel as if Bruno has been very involved. Still, the Portuguese star remains United’s creative heartbeat.
LM: Alejandro Garnacho – Like Mainoo, Garnacho has offered the club long-term hope this season.
ST: Marcus Rashford – Bereft of options up top with Rasmus Hojlund joining the injury list, Rashford is likely to continue as United’s number nine despite failing to impress at the weekend.
