“Next step…” – Erik ten Hag provides FA Cup final hint before Man United vs Brighton

Erik ten Hag has provided a hint towards one FA Cup final selection for Manchester United before their final Premier League game of the season against Brighton.

The Reds have had a difficult season and are approaching the conclusion of the campaign.

However, the team still has a chance of success, with an FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend. They are severe underdogs going into the Wembley clash, though.

Importantly, there are returning players after periods of severe injury problems at Old Trafford. Recently, Casemiro has paired Jonny Evans in the centre of defence.

Both Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez are back in the squad to face Brighton this afternoon. Martínez starts the game alongside Casemiro after making an appearance from the bench last time out.

United have been much improved whenever the Argentine is in the team but he has had several long-term injury problems this term.

Ten Hag has suggested that – after making his return on Wednesday – Martínez’s first start is the “next step” in his return to full fitness and possibly an FA Cup final starting place.

“We will see [what impact he will have]. But we have seen when he is playing, he adds a lot to the quality of our game,” said the Dutchman of Martínez to club media ahead of the game.

“Of course, he has not played for a long time. [He] came in last Wednesday, and now he has his first start, so he has to make the next step for today.

“Hopefully, he can have a straight impact on the team.”