They are the unstoppable, the unfit and the unconvincing. Erik ten Hag’s first-choice forward line consists of a trio of very different parts, of one at the peak of form and fitness, another who plays too infrequently and a third who does not play well often enough; for outsiders’ liking, if not necessarily Ten Hag’s, anyway.
His preferred attack, even before Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways, is formed of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Antony. The first semi-final of the new regime will occur without the oft-sidelined Frenchman, who will miss a third successive game since the Manchester derby, who has not played 90 minutes in a competitive match under Ten Hag and yet who, since some auspicious displays in pre-season, has convinced the Dutchman he has qualities he wants to lead the line.
