Manchester United’s match with Leeds United this coming weekend has been postponed in the wake of The Queen’s death.
Let’s take a look at the winners and losers of the postponement…
Winners
Erik ten Hag: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is the winner from the postponement of this game, in the short-term.
The match against Sheriff Tiraspol has become a ‘must-win’ after defeat last week to Real Sociedad, and the Moldovan side’s own victory over Omonia.
With a Leeds match on the horizon days later, Ten Hag would have got caught in two minds over rotating players. Now his task is remarkably simple with no United game until October 2: Pick the strongest team.
Lisandro Martinez: Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez has the opportunity to bounce back from the harsh penalty awarded against him, by starting this fixture.
Even better, he will surely have Raphael Varane alongside him instead of Harry Maguire. He has won all four matches he has started alongside the Frenchman.
Marcus Rashford: Ten Hag has helped Marcus Rashford back to form, and after being rested against Sociedad, the forward will likely get the chance to lead the line against Sheriff.
Rashford will hope to be back in the England squad, and this match is another big opportunity to state his case for game time in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
Losers
Cristiano Ronaldo: It’s likely that Cristiano Ronaldo will be back on the bench for Manchester United against Sheriff Tiraspol. His big chance came last week against Real Sociedad, and he blew it.
Rashford will come in to take his place, leaving Ronaldo on the bench. There’s a strong chance Ronaldo enters the September international break without a single goal to his name this season.
Fred: There could be some debate over who starts in midfield, Scott McTominay or Casemiro. The latter has experience playing against Sheriff with Real Madrid last season.
One midfield choice we feel fairly confident about is Fred being back on the bench, with Christian Eriksen set for another start, and Bruno Fernandes expected to return. With no need to rotate for Sunday, Fred will return to the sidelines.
Harry Maguire: A partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will likely start this fixture, leaving Harry Maguire out of the starting XI.
This is the new reality for Manchester United’s captain, he’s no longer first choice. This will be a big concern for him ahead of the World Cup.
His place in the England squad is not in doubt, but he won’t want this to continue through October and November.
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