Three ways Manchester United could up line up under Ten Hag vs Arsenal in Premier League fixture
On Saturday afternoon, Manchester United will face Arsenal in the Premier League at the Emirates.
It will be United’s first game since Erik ten Hag was formally appointed as the club’s new manager on Thursday afternoon. Ten Hag has agreed to terms with United on a three-year deal with an option for an extra year.
United is vying for a place in the Champions League in their final five Premier League games. Arsenal is vying with Manchester United for the final spot in the top four, and they come into this game off a 4-2 victory over Chelsea.
So, how should Manchester United begin their match against Arsenal? Our MEN authors have spoken up.
In its current form, the idea of having to choose between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles is too daunting. Alvaro Fernandez, a left-back with talent, has practiced with the first team this week. Harry Maguire will not be able to play after Anfield.
Hannibal Mejbri has a solid support group in Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. Bruno Fernandes has been abysmal since receiving an unwarranted pay raise.
Cristiano Ronaldo must return, and Jadon Sancho must make his debut. The other attacking position is a toss-up between Anthony Elanga and Marcus Rashford, both of whom have struggled at Anfield. Elena may be the more compatible choice.
Tyrone Marshall
The safety-first back three was a fiasco at Anfield, and United must revert to a 4-3-3 for a game they must win.
Varane must return to the starting lineup now that he is fit, alongside Maguire, with Dalot at right-back and Telles at left-back. Full-backs continue to be a key source of concern.
McTominay may also return to midfield right away, and Lingard should play as twin No. 8s alongside Fernandes. Lingard deserved to start ahead of Pogba at Anfield, and he’s done well recently to earn another opportunity.
Ronaldo is another apparent returner to the team, flanked by Sancho and Rashford. In these key games, Elanga has looked a little light at times, and he might be a better option off the bench.
Railston, Steven
Maguire was terrible at Anfield, but he should benefit from Varane’s return. United’s choices at full-back are uninspiring, and this is one area where they need to improve in the summer transfer window, among others.
Matic should return to the starting lineup to anchor the midfield, while McTominay should return to the lineup. Although United has lacked balance in midfield all season, the absence of Fred and McTominay has aggravated the situation.
Lingard deserves to start after putting up a fight, and he can do so from the left side.
