Manchester United return to action this weekend against Brentford and changes are expected.
Erik ten Hag has some serious problems to deal with at Manchester United amid a run of five defeats in the past seven games.
United can’t stick with the same starting line-up against Brentford, which had only made one change from the side which lost to Crystal Palace. Something more radical is required.
Here is a look at three huge calls Erik ten Hag could make this weekend…
Altay Bayindir to start ahead of Onana
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has been a major weak link lately, costing the team against Galatasaray in midweek.
Ten Hag says he will be speaking to the goalkeeper about his form, to try and get him back on track.
It is expected he will stick with him, but, United have an international goalkeeper on the bench, Altay Bayindir.
United do have Tom Heaton in reserve too. This wouldn’t be a case of axing Onana, simply taking him out of the firing line before the international break, and giving him a breather away from the spotlight.
Jonny Evans at left-back
Manchester United need Sofyan Amrabat in midfield and not at left-back.
And, it’s just time for a different left-back fill-in, if Sergio Reguilon is not passed fit.
Jonny Evans may be the solution. He played at left-back during his spell at West Brom, and he is a reliable option at the position, with the defensive nous Manchester United require right now. He won’t let the team down.
Drop Fernandes and Rashford
A really radical solution – drop Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
United didn’t do too badly without either player in the win over Palace in the Carabao Cup. In fact the team looked better and more fluid.
This might be a dangerous game for Erik ten Hag, especially if it doesn’t work out, however, it would send a message to the rest of the squad that big names can be dropped, despite their reputations.
Fernandes has just one goal in his last six games, which Rashford has netted only once all season. It could be time to give somebody else a chance.
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