Erik ten Hag has a dilemma on his hands after Manchester United’s 7-0 thrashing at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool.
One way of response after a 7-0 loss might be to drop all 11 players. It will certainly be tempting.
But this a huge game, a Europa League last 16 first leg, not a throwaway league fixture. Ten Hag will put out the side he believes gives him the best chance to win.
This will likely mean giving some players the chance to make up for their woeful displays at Anfield. At the same time, there is no chance all 11 should retain their places.
Here is a look at three changes Erik ten Hag should make for the home leg at Old Trafford…
Tyrell Malacia to start at left-back
Luke Shaw was absolutely awful in the second half against Liverpool. He deserves to be dropped outright after that performance, just like he was after the Brentford game earlier in the season.
This is an easy choice because Tyrell Malacia is not merely a back-up, he is the 1B to Shaw’s 1A.
Malacia has been excellent this season and was one of Manchester United’s best players in the win over West Ham in the FA Cup a week ago.
He has a fearless element to his game and the Dutchman is deserving of more game time. Malacia is defensively solid and will allow Shaw a chance to refresh mentally after this wretched display.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka in at right-back
One of Erik ten Hag’s mistakes may not have been starting Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back. He has been the more impressive and more consistent of the two options in 2023, surprisingly.
Dalot was caught out of position for Liverpool’s opener and it should be an easy choice to bring Wan-Bissaka into the starting line-up on Thursday night.
After this game, one of United’s objectives against Real Betis will be to keep a clean sheet and there is a better chance of one with Wan-Bissaka in the line-up.
Jadon Sancho in to start
Jadon Sancho did not get a minute at Anfield and he will be raring to go on Thursday night. The winger has not had as much game time as he might have liked recently.
The big question is who Sancho should come in for. Bruno Fernandes, Wout Weghorst and Antony are all vulnerable after their displays at Anfield.
Sancho can play as a winger or a number 10, it just depends how Ten Hag wants to set up. But it is unthinkable to line up with the same front four which failed to make an impact at Anfield.
Ten Hag has options against Betis, and Sancho can bring a much needed freshness to the side.