Three tactical surprises Erik ten Hag could spring for Manchester United v Barcelona

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag managed to outwit Xavi at the Nou Camp as he countered the Spanish side’s ‘anti-Rashford plan’.

Wout Weghorst dropping into a deeper role released Rashford further forward, while also allowing the Dutchman to pressure the Barcelona midfield.

Ten Hag may have another surprise up his sleeve. He hinted at this at his press conference prior to the game.

He was quoted by Reuters: “What we do different you will see tomorrow on the pitch. We have an idea.”

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So what could this tactical plan for Manchester United be? We have taken at three possibilities open to the manager, in contrast to our predicted line-up…

Use Antony as a starter

Manchester United’s front four is expected to consist of Bruno Fernandes, Wout Weghorst, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, just like in the Nou Camp.

This could take different guises, with all four capable of playing in different positions. Together they helped cut Leicester apart in the second half on Sunday.

But with Antony fit again, Erik ten Hag could throw the Brazilian straight into the mix. He is a player the manager trusts implicitly from his time at Ajax.

Antony could give United greater structure out wide, along with his defensive work. While most probable he will be on the bench, don’t rule out a start.

Select Sabitzer and Fred with Casemiro

One of the big pre-match debates is whether Casemiro’s partner should be Fred or Marcel Sabitzer. One option would be to go with both and pack the midfield.

This system would involve leaving out both Antony and Jadon Sancho. Bruno Fernandes would shift out to the right wing.

This would enable United to win the midfield battle, against a Barcelona side without Pedri and Gavi, also benefitting from the element of surprise.

Both Fred and Marcel Sabitzer are capable of playing the more forward attacking midfield role, and this could be a ‘busy’ option to start the game, before making more attacking changes later on.

Wout Weghorst on the bench

Everybody including Barcelona expect Wout Weghorst to start the game. The Dutchman has been an integral part of United’s play over the past month.

Erik ten Hag could try to second guess Barcelona by leaving him on the bench, looking for a very different approach.

This would involve Marcus Rashford leading the line, with Jadon Sancho and Antony on both wings, with Bruno Fernandes at 10.