Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could make his Premier League debut against Fulham

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could make his Premier League debut against Fulham

Man United boss Erik ten Hag will have to think about his starting line-up for the final day game against Fulham.

Manchester United secured their Champions League place with a convincing 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Heading into the penultimate Premier League game of the season, the Reds knew they needed just one point from their last two games to cross the finish line. As expected, Erik ten Hag took no chances with his starting line-up, calling up a quality team that was dispatched in order of win probability.

Despite questionable defensive performances in the first half, United led 2-0 at the break and added two more goals to their tally in the second half. Despite Joao Felix’s late attempt to end the Reds’ run without conceding at Old Trafford, Antony’s early exit was the biggest downside of the night of celebration.

The Brazilian had to be substituted on a stretcher just before the half-hour mark with an injury which Ten Hag described as “serious” in his post-match press conference. The winger was clearly ill and early signs suggested his season was coming to an end.

Antony, who has shown his genius this season, was a substitute for next Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. He made the right-wing position his own this season and Ten Hag continued to cling to him despite his inconsistency. Even if he hadn’t taken such a knock on the ankle, it’s unlikely the former Ajax winger would have been a starting XI for tomorrow’s final day game against Fulham. Due to United’s demanding and intense schedule this season, Ten Hag hasn’t had the opportunity to change teams as often as he would have liked. Almost every game played by the Reds had something special.

Although third place is still open on the final day of the game and the Reds and Newcastle United are only two points apart, United have achieved their main objective and will be back in the Champions League next season. It was Ten Hag’s main objective from the start of the season and it was achieved with one game to go. It means that bearing in mind the Wembley clash with City next weekend, the Dutchman could be tempted to fumble with the Cottagers, although you wouldn’t bet on him sticking to his strongest lineup looking for another win . After all, Ten Hag wants to win every match regardless of the opponent or competition.

But on this occasion, given the scale of the clash with City in a week’s time, some changes seem inevitable. However, Antony’s injury has made his right arm situation even more interesting.

Should he miss the FA Cup final as planned, it is likely that there will be a direct clash between Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho to replace the Brazilian. Fernandes started on the right against City in January and Sancho switched to the right after Antony was sent off against Chelsea.

On the other hand, if Ten Hag stays at Fernandes in his natural No.10 position against City, Sancho will most likely start on the right flank, joining Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in the front three. This means Ten Hag, to protect both against Fulham, could make his Premier League debut for Facundo Pellistri on the right wing.

He has only experienced Premier League football three times this season, each time coming off the bench. He has made just nine appearances for United since joining the club from Penarol in October 2020 – all this season. Pellistri has shown tremendous professionalism in being so patient this season. It would have been easy for him to spit on his doll and throw a tantrum. Not him.

Now that Champions League football is over, Ten Hag can afford to give him a wink and give United fans a possible glimpse into the future. It’s a risk-free decision.

Also…

United squad news for Fulham final

Manchester United are concerned about injuries to Luke Shaw and Antony ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match with Fulham.

The Reds are preparing to face the Cottagers at kick-off on Sunday at 4.30pm BST for the final game of the league season. Third place is still on the line, with United currently two points clear of Newcastle United, away to Chelsea this weekend.

Erik ten Hag admitted after his side’s 4-1 win over Chelsea that Antony appears to be suffering from a serious injury after being stretchered off in the first half following a challenge from Trevoh Chalobah.

Marcus Rashford came on, having been sent off with injury and illness, and scored his 30th United goal of the season. Shaw is also an issue after missing Thursday night’s second half. The England international was replaced by Tyrell Malacia and when asked about his first-choice left-back, the manager admitted: “At the moment I can’t say whether he’s available on Sunday or not.”

Erik told club media on Friday that he had no news on the couple, adding: “No, I can’t say at the moment. It’s too early, the night was short.”

With the Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City looming on June 3, a risk is unlikely to be taken, although Ten Hag stressed the importance of capturing a good finish with another win to put end to maintaining the team’s pace on the approach. at Derby at Wembley.

Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Donny van de Beek are already out for the rest of the season.

FULHAM TEAM NEWS

Andreas Pereira misses a Reds meeting as our former academy graduate’s season was cut short by a broken ankle. Another former United player, winger Daniel James, who scored in the match in question at Craven Cottage, is expected to be available again according to the latest updates from manager Marco Silva’s press conference.

Layvin Kurzawa could also be back but defender Tim Ream is definitely out.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is back in the game after serving an eight-game ban for being sent off and clashing with referee Chris Kavanagh in our FA Cup quarter-final win over Cottagers at Old Trafford in March.

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