Erik ten Hag’s new dilemma could be bad news for Man Utd summer signing, his toughest choice yet

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Erik ten Hag has got what he wanted and suddenly has an embarrassment of riches in attacking options.

Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag said he was happy to have a selection headache, and that was before the stunning 7-0 win over Barnsley, his biggest victory as Red Devils boss.

Now heading into this weekend’s fixture with Crystal Palace, Ten Hag must fit four attackers into three.

Joshua Zirkzee could miss out

Antony made his first start of the season in midweek, and scored a penalty, but we did not see anything to suggest he could displace the excellent Amad.

This weekend Erik ten Hag has to get four into three.

• Marcus Rashford
• Amad Diallo
• Alejandro Garnacho
• Joshua Zirkzee

At the weekend, and three times out of four in the league this season, Alejandro Garnacho has been on the bench.

After he scored two goals and assisted two more in midweek, how can he possibly be left out again?

Amad has also been sensational, and the one league game he was benched against Liverpool, it was a clear mistake.

Meanwhile now is not the time to sit Marcus Rashford out, after he scored three goals in his last two matches.

That’s three wide players competing for two positions. But there is a way to get around this.

Ten Hag was able to fit Antony in alongside Garnacho and Rashford in midweek by selecting the Englishman up front, leading the line.

Rashford could be selected in this position again versus Crystal Palace, at the expense of Joshua Zirkzee.

It would be harsh on Zirkzee after his terrific display against Southampton last weekend, yet it could be the right move this weekend to keep momentum.

Ten Hag has often shown favour for keeping the same system after a big win, and switching in Amad for Antony aside – Rashford could keep his place leading the line.

• READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace

Rasmus Hojlund return

Erik ten Hag’s selection dilemma has become even more complicated, in a good way. Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United’s number nine, has returned to first team training.

It’s great news for United, making United’s attack even more unpredictable for opponents, adding a direct goal threat.

Hojlund won’t be considered to start this weekend, there is no urgency to force him in when there are so many other options – but there is a chance he makes the bench.

In a fortnight’s time the Dane could be up to full speed, and then it really will become tricky to get the selection choices right on a weekly basis. The return of the Europa League will certainly help.