Match Coverage
Man United predicted XI – Erik ten Hag makes three surprise changes vs Forest
Erik ten Hag is expected to make three surprise changes as Manchester United prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round.
The FA Cup is heading towards its annual crunch time as only 16 teams remain, with Manchester United and Erik ten Hag being one of them.
So far, the club have defeated both Wigan Athletic and Newport County away from home, and they are preparing for a third trip away from Old Trafford as they look to knock Nottingham Forest out of the competition, too.
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Although Altay Bayındır started in goal in the last round, André Onana is expected to resume his place in goal for the Forest tie, although changes are expected ahead of him.
With United suffering many injuries in defence, Ten Hag will likely want to keep Raphaël Varane in bubble wrap, so he may bench him in favour of Jonny Evans to pair with Victor Lindelöf in the central defensive position after it was revealed that Harry Maguire will not be available.
Diogo Dalot is the club’s only fit full-back, and so will occupy the right-hand side, while Sofyan Amrabat may be chosen to cover at left-back – however, there is also an argument to make that Willy Kambwala could cover the position.
In midfield, this seems to be the only place where United have been allowed some consistency, with both Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes set to start alongside each other again.
Although there has been some doubt about Casemiro’s fitness, Ten Hag confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the Brazilian is fit to play, and he is expected to start.
In attack, Antony may be called to start after Erik ten Hag went out of his way to compliment the winger
“I know from the past he is unstoppable; no defender can stop him because he’s one of the quickest in the first 10 yards; when he plays the game, I’m sure he will perform. He is resilient, he is a character,” Ten Hag said on Tuesday afternoon.
Ten Hag adds: “he will fight back, and I back him. He now has to wait for his chance, and once he is there, he has to pick up.”
Should Antony start, this would be on the right wing, with Marcus Rashford as a central striker and Alejandro Garnacho on the left-hand side.
Predicted Manchester United XI:
Onana, Dalot, Lindelöf, Evans, Amrabat, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Garnacho.
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