The news outlines a potential tactical approach and lineup for Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag, in light of injuries, squad rotation, and player performances. Here’s an in-depth look at the current situation and possible lineup decisions:
Injury Update:
- Luke Shaw is confirmed to be out due to a calf injury. Shaw’s absence will affect Manchester United’s defense and potentially the left-back role.
- Jonny Evans has a “slim chance” of recovering from his injury, so he is unlikely to feature. His injury means United will be without both of their more experienced center-backs for the foreseeable future.
Squad Availability and Manager’s Decisions:
- Amorim’s Squad Choices: The coach (likely referring to a managerial context involving Manchester United or a related team) has a near-full squad to select from, with only Shaw and Evans unavailable. Despite some inconsistencies in performances, particularly in the goalkeeping department, the coach is expected to continue rotating players, although Andre Onana‘s position in goal is confirmed as secure, despite his mistake in the 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen.
- Onana has been facing some criticism for mistakes, but it seems that the manager is sticking with him as the starting goalkeeper due to his overall ability and importance to the squad.
Defensive Lineup:
- Full-Backs: The full-back positions are also in flux due to the tactical decisions around player performances and positional shifts. In the previous match against Nottingham Forest, Leny Yoro replaced Noussair Mazraoui, dropping Mazraoui to the bench. However, Mazraoui was reinstated in the starting lineup for the Europa League fixture in the Czech Republic.
- Mazraoui, with his experience and regular playing time in the 2024-25 season, could likely retain his spot in the lineup. It’s a toss-up between Yoro and Mazraoui, but the latter’s consistency might give him the edge over the young Frenchman.
- The center-back pairing is expected to remain unchanged, with Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez being the starting duo. This is a solid pairing that balances defensive strength and ball-playing ability.
- Right and Left Wing-Backs: Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo are likely to maintain their places in the starting XI. However, Diallo, originally playing on the right wing, might revert to a right-wing-back role, which would force Dalot to switch to the left flank. This positional change would likely push Tyrell Malacia out of the starting lineup.
Midfield and Attack:
- Midfield Freshness: To provide fresh legs in the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are expected to start. Both are expected to offer energy and defensive stability, which is crucial given the busy fixture schedule. Despite the changes, Bruno Fernandes, as captain, will continue to play a key role in orchestrating the midfield, offering creativity, leadership, and the link-up play between the midfield and attack.
- Attack: In attack, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line after his strong performance in the Europa League. Given the importance of fresh legs and productivity, Alejandro Garnacho might be given the nod over Marcus Rashford, who has been inconsistent. Garnacho’s pace and directness could be crucial in breaking down opposition defenses, making him a viable choice for the starting role.
Possible Starting XI:
Based on the considerations above, this is the most likely starting lineup for Manchester United in the next match:
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
- Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (right-back), Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez (center-backs), Diogo Dalot (left-back)
- Midfielders: Amad Diallo (right wing-back), Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes (captain)
- Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (left wing), Rasmus Hojlund (striker)
Tactical Considerations:
- The changes to the defensive setup (especially with Dalot shifting to the left flank) reflect a tactical need to accommodate injuries and player form. The flexibility of the full-backs and wing-backs will be key in providing width and defensive cover.
- The shift in attack with Garnacho replacing Rashford emphasizes the desire to add more directness and threat on the left side, a position where Rashford has not been at his best recently.
- With Ugarte and Mainoo in midfield, the team will likely have more energy and balance, and Fernandes’ creative spark will be critical in transitioning from defense to attack.
Manchester United’s lineup for the next match will involve several changes and tactical adjustments, particularly in defense and attack. The manager seems keen on ensuring the squad remains fresh and competitive, especially with Europa League commitments alongside Premier League fixtures. While Onana remains the undisputed choice in goal, the flexibility of Dalot and Mazraoui, the rotation in midfield, and Garnacho’s possible inclusion up front are all crucial elements for ensuring United’s success.