It’s Christmas, and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping for a fair few presents for his squad in his first year in charge.
But it’s not all about making new signings, Ten Hag has proved adept at maximising what he has – look at the considerable improvement shown by Diogo Dalot, for instance.
Instead, what Ten Hag will really want, is soon to get an opportunity to start his best front three player together.
So far in 2022/23, events have conspired to prevent this from happening.
Manchester United’s best front three
Manchester United’s best front three, in theory, is the trio of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho.
With Cristiano Ronaldo departed, and United yet to sign a striker, Martial is the main man up front.
Rashford meanwhile has reached the 100 goal mark in his United career, and he has shown great improvement under Ten Hag.
Jadon Sancho could be the key to it all too, when he makes his return. Sancho has already shown himself capable of influencing big games, hitting a crucial goal against Liverpool earlier this season.
The trouble is, United have not been able to play all three together from the start this season.
There was a glimpse in pre-season, when Martial scored three goals, as did Rashford, and Sancho. It was a tantalising look at what United could be capable of.
Then Martial got injured in the final week of pre-season, and United’s plans were knocked off course. Cristiano Ronaldo was rushed back into the team, and the season began with two defeats.
The trio did get on the pitch together for the first time this season in the second half against Liverpool. Martial provided the assist for Rashford to hit the game’s second.
Martial then went down with another injury, and after another false start, he eventually returned in early November, by which time Sancho was out with illness.
With the season resuming, Sancho is not yet back with the squad, as he is on an individual training programme to get up to speed.
Eventually, the trio should get their chance in 2023. Hopefully it will be worth the wait. Erik ten Hag’s side can benefit from having the three at the top of their game.
Martial and Rashford have repeatedly displayed a clever connection and link-up through the years. Sancho’s intelligence can add into this.
Ten Hag will also look to sign another attacker, potentially Cody Gakpo, while Alejandro Garnacho and Antony are both expected to state their own cases for selection. Exciting times lie ahead.
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