How Erik ten Hag replaces Harry Maguire & Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United expected XI vs Crystal Palace

Erik ten Hag will likely have to replace both Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire as Manchester United gear up to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Manchester United face a crucial stretch of four matches to secure their spot in the Europa League next season. They currently trail Tottenham Hotspur by six points in fifth place, with Newcastle United trailing closely behind by just one point in seventh.

Erik ten Hag‘s side, presently positioned sixth in the Premier League standings, has struggled for consistency this season. Failing to produce positive results this month could see them slide further down the table.

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André Onana is set to maintain his place in goal as he ventures to Selhurst Park for the first time in his career, having started every game in the competition this season.

In defence, Jonny Evans’s return to training could boost the team. The experienced defender is in the squad that travelled to London on Monday evening. This timing bodes well after Harry Maguire picked up an injury in training, ruling him out for the fixture.

Assuming Evans will start, he would then partner Casemiro at the back, with Diogo Dalot at left-back and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right.

Maguire’s absence means Casemiro will not be able to return to the midfield as many had hoped, and a further problem is now that Bruno Fernandes is a doubt for the tie. Assuming Fernandes is not fit, logic dictates that he will be replaced by Mason Mount.

Although there is the option of playing Amad in the No. 10 role, Ten Hag is expected to opt for Mount as the English midfielder is a more established and proven Premier League player.

Behind Mount will be Kobbie Mainoo, who is expected to continue his quality run in the team. With Casemiro already being used in defence, Mainoo will probably be partnered with Christian Eriksen.

In the attacking lineup, Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the line, while Alejandro Garnacho is likely to continue on the left flank in the absence of Marcus Rashford.

The choice for the right-wing position is debated, with Antony potentially getting the nod over Amad to bolster Dalot against Crystal Palace’s potent attack, especially considering the lack of defensive ability in midfield.

Crystal Palace’s recent goal-scoring form, including 11 goals in their last four matches, underscores the importance of defensive solidity for Manchester United.

Man United expected XI

Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Evans, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Mount, Antony, Højlund, Garnacho.