Erik ten Hag confessed time is at a premium as he ponders how to replace Bruno Fernandes in his Manchester United starting XI.
Fernandes picked up his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season in last weekend's narrow victory over West Ham, meaning he is suspended for Sunday's clash with Aston Villa. The Portuguese playmaker has been indispensable under Ten Hag, playing 90 minutes in all 12 of their league games this campaign.
He has scored two goals and registered one assist in that time, while he has also been a mainstay in the Europa League line-ups. Such is Fernandes' importance for the Red Devils, Ten Hag faces a tricky decision about who should come into the line-up in the 28-year-old's absence.
"We know that we have to replace Bruno, that is quite clear," Ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference. "We have to see how we replace him and we have to think about that, and it is short so soon after this game [against Real Sociedad on Thursday]. I have one night to think about that."
United are taking on an Aston Villa said with a new manager in the dugout, namely former Arsenal boss Unai Emery. Ten Hag admitted this in itself poses an extra challenge to how he will set up for the fixture.
"I have to think about that. I have to see because Aston Villa is going to be a difficult one as we don't know," the Dutchman added regarding his centre-back options. "They [Villa] have a new manager and I have to have a look and analyse from that game, from that team and then we have a choice. But Licha [Lisandro Martinez] and Victor [Lindelof] played really well together over some more games.
Who should start for Manchester United in Bruno Fernandes' absence? Have your say in the comments!
''But I also think Licha and Harry last Sunday against West Ham kept a clean sheet and also did really well, so that's a choice we have to make. When I choose one, it is not one thing against the other.''
Ten Hag also has a headache in attack after Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial did not travel to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League in midweek. The United manager is still waiting for an update from club medics as to whether he will be able to call on any of the three forwards.
"It's difficult to say in this moment," Ten Hag said of the trio's fitness. "I have to talk with the medical and the performance team as they did a programme in Manchester. I have to hear how their progress was and if they can be available for Sunday's match."
