This weekend’s match between Manchester United and Brighton at Old Trafford will see a new offensive lineup, with both Antony and Jadon Sancho likely sitting out.
Sancho was not included in United’s matchday squad when they played Arsenal earlier this month because, in the manager’s opinion, he performed poorly in training.
However, in a social media post, the England international openly disputed Ten Hag’s version of events. According to insiders, the two will have “clear the air talks” over the incident.
To address allegations of domestic abuse made against him by his ex-girlfriend, Antony is taking a “period of absence” from United, a decision made by both the player and the team.
Police in Brazil and England are looking into the allegations, which Antony has firmly denied in multiple remarks.
Given the likelihood that both players won’t be available this weekend, here are three lineups for United that may be used.
1) a 4-2-3-1 setup with Bruno Fernandes at RW
The most likely plan of action for Ten Hag would be to move captain Bruno Fernandes to the right wing in lieu of Antony, who started the game against Arsenal.
In the event that Mason Mount recovers from his hamstring injury in time to play central attacking midfield for United, the most of his defensive duties would be taken over by another player.
If Mount’s comeback is postponed, Ten Hag could replace Alejandro Garnacho.
2) Right wing Mason Mount, 4-3-3
Ten Hag can choose to place Mount in the attacking three’s right-sided position, which he commonly filled while playing for Chelsea.
Fernandes may therefore join Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in a midfield three, but if Sofyan Amrabat is fully healthy, he might also be a possibility.
3) Wonderkid is given a chance, and a novel framework is examined.
Ten Hag might decide to try Facundo Pellistri as a more surprising alternative on the right side of the attack.
The Uruguayan international, 21, has yet to make a competitive debut for United since his arrival in 2020, despite impressing his boss throughout training. On Saturday, he might have a chance.
In other circumstances, Ten Hag might employ a three-defender defence, which would depend on Lisandro Martinez’s health but might allow Sergio Reguilon to make his professional debut.
Ten Hag must make a significant selection for his starting lineup when United hosts Brighton on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Old Trafford.
