Manchester United return to action on Saturday when they host Wolves in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Consecutive defeats to Brighton and West Ham have loosened United’s grip on a top four place, with Newcastle leapfrogging them in the table, while Liverpool continue to make ground from behind.
Erik ten Hag needs a win to settle the nerves of fans expecting to be in the Champions League next season. Here’s the side he could pick.
GK: David de Gea – A four-time United player of the year but also a goalkeeper who has been sharp decline for a good few years now. New contract or no new contract, a new stopper is needed.
RB: Diogo Dalot – The more attacking Dalot may be a sharper tactical choice at right back here, even with Aaron Wan-Bissaka making big strides in recent months.
CB: Victor Lindelof – Continues to fill in during the absence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
CB: Luke Shaw – Could make his tenth starting appearance at centre back this season on Saturday with Harry Maguire unlikely to be resurrected.
LB: Tyrell Malacia – 23-year-old Malacia is yet to provide an assist in the league or Europe for United since his move from Feyenoord.
CM: Casemiro – The effects of this long season are even causing Casemiro problems, with the Brazilian looking sluggish in recent outings.
CM: Christian Eriksen – Recently won the ‘Comeback Of The Year’ accolade at the 2023 Laureus World Sports Awards.
RW: Antony – With United failing to score in their last two games, Antony needs to rectify his poor final ball and start contributing in attack.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – With only one goal in his last ten games, United could use a trademark performance from their Portuguese star.
LW: Marcus Rashford – Another United player whose shooting boots have been misplaced, though only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Mohamed Salah have scored more Premier League goals this season.
ST: Anthony Martial – Came on against West Ham and went close on a couple of occasions.
