Erik ten Hag would have liked to name an unchanged side in Saturday’s Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth, a rarity in Manchester United’s injury-stricken season. i runs through the likely line-up at Old Trafford, featuring one switch from the 2-1 win over Chelsea midweek.
Goalkeeper – Onana
Andre Onana has cost Ten Hag in the Champions League, but he has come into his own in the Premier League during United’s positive patch of results.
The 27-year-old will hope to keep his sixth league clean sheet of the campaign by denying the Cherries’ dangerous attack.
Defence – Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon
United’s sole change will likely come in defence after the club confirmed that Victor Lindelof was ruled out through injury.
The Swede was replaced by Reguilon at half-time in Wednesday’s triumph over Chelsea, with Luke Shaw moving to centre-back.
Given United’s strong second-half showing, Ten Hag will have faith in that combination to produce the goods again despite Raphael Varane’s confirmed return to contention.
Diogo Dalot should keep his place at right-back ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He was a valuable attacking outlet against Chelsea.
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Midfield – Amrabat, McTominay, Fernandes
It’s likely obvious, given that Reguilon for Lindelof has been noted as the sole change, but the display last time out doesn’t warrant a change in midfield and attack.
Sofyan Amrabat enjoyed his best performance as a United player, bullying £220million midfield duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
The Moroccan deserves to fend off Kobbie Mainoo for now, with captain Bruno Fernandes and United top goalscorer Scott McTominay ahead of him.
McTominay has been the hero on more than one occasion at Old Trafford this season, and Bournemouth will have earmarked him as a danger man.
Attack – Antony, Garnacho, Hojlund
Marcus Rashford is a doubt for the game through illness but he would likely watch on from the bench for a second successive game anyway, considering United’s electric attacking showing against Chelsea.
Antony looks to have turned a leaf with his recent performances on the right, and Alejandro Garnacho is enjoying his best run of form as a senior footballer.
Rasmus Hojlund is still awaiting his first Premier League goal after 11 games, but Ten Hag will be confident it’s only a matter of time.
The 20-year-old Dane is regularly in the right positions. He just needs that one final pass to go his way in the final third and is worthy of his praise despite his frustrations.
