Manchester United fans are urging Erik ten Hag to start Alejandro Garnacho against Brighton, despite Facundo Pellistri also being a viable option for him.
Ten Hag will be forced to make tweaks to his attacking line-up for Saturday’s fixture at Old Trafford after United confirmed Antony’s return to the club would be delayed.
Antony has started all four of United’s Premier League fixtures this season, despite facing fierce criticisms after failing to score or register a single assist so far.
However, United confirmed the 23-year-old Brazilian winger would be unavailable “until further notice” as Antony “[addresses] the allegations” that are facing him.
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United fans want Garnacho to play
Antony’s absence from United has been coupled with Jadon Sancho’s expulsion from the first team after the England star’s public fallout with manager Ten Hag.
Facundo Pellistri has emerged as a potential candidate to fill in for Antony, but United fans feel Garnacho is a more experienced choice than the 21-year-old Uruguayan winger.
“I think Garnacho will start on the right now. Pellistri is a decent shout as well but don’t see him starting [matches] immediately,” one fan said.
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Someone else commented: “I want to see Pellistri on [the] RW, but I won’t lose my mind if Garnacho start[s] and Rash [Marcus Rashford] is RW on Saturday, loads of matches coming up.”
Another added: “I love Facundo, but Garnacho deserves a start again.”
“All this Pellistri talk for a Rashford-Garnacho wing pairing vs Brighton,” a fourth tweeted.
While a fifth posted: “Rashford will start on the left wing. Garnacho will start on the right wing tomorrow.”
And one fan posted: “For me, I still believe Ten Hag will start Rashford at the right, then Garnacho will play the left wing.”
Ten Hag hopeful of United bounce back
Ten Hag has faced growing pressure since the start of the season over United’s performances, with the Red Devils struggling with early consistency.
The former Ajax boss watched his side scrape a fortunate result against Wolves in their Premier League opener before losing 2-0 away to Tottenham.
United fought back hard to secure an important three points against Nottingham Forest after conceding twice in the opening five minutes at Old Trafford.
However, United went into the international break in 11th place in the league table after rivals Arsenal produced a stunning 3-1 comeback win at the Emirates.
Ten Hag’s decision to choose between Garnacho or Pellistri could be crucial for ensuring the ‘right’ balance for United’s attacking frontline against Brighton.