Manchester United predicted XI vs Fulham, Erik ten Hag’s unorthodox Rasmus Højlund replacement

Erik ten Hag has a big decision against Fulham after it was confirmed that Rasmus Højlund would miss at least two weeks with an injury.

On Friday afternoon, Manchester United confirmed that Ramsus Højlund will miss at least United’s next three games through a muscle injury that will keep him out for two or three weeks.

Although Erik ten Hag has explained that the injury is minor, Højlund will be a huge miss for the manager, with the player’s fantastic form a large reason for the club’s great form in 2024.

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André Onana will start in goal as always, and due to a few defensive injuries, Raphaël Varane and Harry Maguire will likely start in front of the Cameroon international as Fulham travel to Old Trafford.

United are facing a big problem in the wide defensive positions, as Diogo Dalot is now the club’s only fit full-back. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all sidelined, meaning that with Dalot starting on the right side, Victor Lindelöf will probably have to fill in at left-back.

However, there is an argument to be made that Willy Kambwala may be able to cover if needed.

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In midfield, there are no changes expected. Kobbie Mainoo will almost certainly line up alongside Casemiro in the middle of the park, while captain Bruno Fernandes will remain in the centre of play.

Up front, Højlund’s injury causes problems. United had settled well in attack, with Højlund in the centre and Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks, but with no recognised striker fit to play against Fulham, this will have to change.

The most likely scenario is that Rashford moves to the middle, with Garnacho keeping his position on the right wing. There have been reports that Omari Forson, the U21 winger, will start on Saturday, with the academy player, therefore, likely to take up the left-wing position.

This could be seen as an unorthodox move, as many would have expected Garnacho to take up the left wing with Antony or Amad Diallo then starting on the right.

Predicted XI

Onana, Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelöf, Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford, Forson.