Manchester United return to action tonight in the FA Cup against West Ham, aiming to secure a quarter-final spot.
The Red Devils have home advantage for the fixture, a repeat of Manchester United’s 1-0 fifth round win over the Hammers in 2021.
Fresh off a victory in the Carabao Cup final, Erik ten Hag is expected to make changes. United had made only one change to the team which beat Barcelona in the Europa League days earlier.
With a match away at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday, there are going to be a handful of stars who are rested, while there are also a couple of fresh injury issues to deal with, after Erik ten Hag explained Fred and Luke Shaw are carrying knocks.
Predicted Manchester United line-up
Manchester United have the squad to rotate for this fixture while still putting out a very strong line-up. After Sunday’s Wembley win, some of the fringe players will be desperate to play.
We still anticipate David de Gea will start the game at Old Trafford, although it would not be a total surprise to see Tom Heaton come in. He did start the Carabao Cup quarter-final and performed well.
Luke Shaw’s fitness battle will see Tyrell Malacia start the game at left-back. On the right, we would expect Diogo Dalot to start this game, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka selected at Anfield.
It could be all change at centre-back, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof starting, and Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane given a rest. These defensive changes are extra reason to stick with De Gea in goal.
United’s midfield is likely to see changes. Casemiro has earned a rest and has also flown to Paris on Monday for the FIFPro Awards, while Fred is carrying a knock.
Fortunately there are two players desperate for game time. Scott McTominay is looking for a first start since returning from injury, while Marcel Sabitzer is ready to stake another claim for a starting spot after looking very sharp at Wembley as a substitute.
The combination of McTominay and Sabitzer are a physical pairing who should match up well to West Ham.
In attacking midfield we see a start for Bruno Fernandes, with Jadon Sancho on the right. The pair could easily swap roles, as they have done recently.
On the left wing Alejandro Garnacho could return to the starting line-up with Marcus Rashford on the bench. The severity of an injury picked up against Barcelona is unclear, even though he lined up at Wembley.
Wout Weghorst will lead the line, still searching for his first goal at OId Trafford. Anthony Martial is still out injured.
Anthony Elanga could return to the bench along with Facundo Pellistri, after both missed out at Wembley, with Antony another option to use from the bench.
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