Manchester United look set to be without the services of Brazilian forward Antony for the final two matches of the campaign.
The Brazilian left the pitch on a stretcher during Thursday evening’s thumping of Chelsea. Manager Erik ten Hag has already described the problem as “serious”. Antony will be a huge loss over the next few weeks with the Red Devils set to navigate a clash with Fulham on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, they also have a titanic clash with neighbours Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Ten Hag has some thinking to do ahead of those games as he attempts to find a replacement.
Here are the changes that he could make to his starting line-up:
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho
After Antony was taken off of the pitch against Chelsea, top scorer Marcus Rashford came on in his place. The Red Devils’ academy graduate took on his regular left-wing berth and scored his 30th goal of the campaign as he profited from a Wesley Fofana mistake.
His introduction saw Jadon Sancho moved over to the right. That is certainly not an alien position for the former Borussia Dortmund star having played on the right on nine occasions this term.
Whilst Ten Hag might be more willing to experiment on the final day of the Premier League campaign, this might be the option that he’s most likely to pick for the FA Cup final.
What starting XI should Erik ten Hag name vs Fulham? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst
The frontline could be in for a slight mix around should Ten Hag be tempted. Rashford could be set to keep his slot on the left-wing, with French striker Anthony Martial - also a scorer against Chelsea - moving over to the right.
He has played on the right on a handful of occasions at Old Trafford and could be set to do so once again. If Martial is given a new role for the next two matches, Dutch striker Wout Weghorst could be set for a return to the starting lineup.
The 30-year-old has only started two Premier League games since early April but would be the most likely to lead the line should Martial be stationed on the right.
Alejandro Garnacho
Whilst Antony’s injury has continued somewhat of a crisis at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have been granted something of a reprieve with the return of Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho. Usually a left-winger, the 18-year-old could potentially be used on the right.
Since his injury return, he has made three substitute appearances in the Premier League. He could be granted his first start on the final day of the season and should he impress then he could be granted another opportunity in the FA Cup final.
Facundo Pellistri
There are a number of first-team options to consider but Ten Hag could potentially surprise supporters with an academy prospect. Uruguayan striker Facundo Pellistri is the one who’s knocking the hardest on the door for an opportunity.
After returning from a loan spell with Spanish side Alaves, he has made nine appearances in all for the Red Devils this season. Usefully, all of those have come on the right flank.
The 21-year-old has made just one start this season and could add to that should Ten Hag want to give him another opportunity.
Omari Forson
On the topic of young players, one of the club’s academy graduates could well be in line for their first-team debut. One of the most likely candidates could well be 18-year-old attacking midfielder Omari Forson.
The England under-19 international enjoyed a bright season for the Red Devils’ U21 side this season. He has nine goals and three assists this term.
Forson has just a year left on his contract so needs to force his way into Ten Hag’s thinking sooner rather than later and what better time than over the next few weeks?
