Martial to start
While Cristiano Ronaldo put his feet up at home, Manchester United put their scoring boots back on, hitting four in a single game for the first time this season against Aston Villa.
Ronaldo's blunt performance at Villa Park and Anthony Martial's return after a four-week absence make a Martial start at Fulham likely. His goal in midweek and precautionary withdrawal, never mind Erik ten Hag's post-match endorsement, confirmed Martial now lives up to his squad number as United's prime No.9.
Garnacho has to start, but where?
Relocating Marcus Rashford, in promising domestic form, from the left to the right was a mistake at Villa and Rashford was more effective in his freer roles for the rematch on Thursday night.
Also read: Ten Hag indicates who his first-choice striker is
Alejandro Garnacho still managed to steal the show as a substitute and he is close to becoming undroppable. Ten Hag's dilemma is the Argentine is yet another right-footed left winger.
Garnacho, 18, is young enough to chance his arm on the right and has not earned enough slack to be selected in his favoured role ahead of more senior teammates.
Recalls
Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro all started on the bench three days ago, all came on and all are likely to be recalled today.
The trio are among United's most important players and their absence was felt in the first hour of the League Cup tie against Villa. David de Gea and Luke Shaw are also bound to return.
Who starts with Martinez?
Martinez's covering defending is one of his underrated strengths and an asset Harry Maguire does not appear to possess. Maguire did not sense the danger when Jacob Ramsey lifted his head up and spotted Ollie Watkins pulling into the left-hand channel and Diogo Dalot ended up closer to Watkins than the cumbersome Maguire.
As dire as Victor Lindelof was at Villa Park, he has developed an otherwise decent partnership with Martinez. If Alexander Mitrovic is not fit there is not a compelling case to keep Maguire in the team.
Who is at right-back?
The only way United's starting XI could be meeker than with the presence of Donny van de Beek is if Aaron Wan-Bissaka starts. Both appear write-offs United are saddled with for a couple more months, at least.
Wan-Bissaka has not started since April 9, has played four minutes all season and his manager's assessment of his prolonged absences on Thursday night was withering. Wan-Bissaka is destined to be the costliest English footballer never to play for England.
Tyrell Malacia's recall for the Villa tie ensured he got timely playing time ahead of a possible stint at right-back.
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