Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could make two key changes to his line-up for Sunday’s much-awaited Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at the Wembley Stadium.
The Red Devils have been in fantastic form over the past few months and they progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League yesterday after beating Barcelona (4-3 on aggregate).
Their immediate focus will now shift to the League Cup final at Wembley and ahead of the game, Ten Hag could make two changes to the XI based on the performance last night.
Wout Weghorst was largely ineffective in the opening half against Barcelona. The Dutchman had just 12 touches, two passes and won only one of his eight duels contested.
There were no surprises that he was substituted at the interval. Antony, who came in for him, made the difference in the second half, bagging the vital winning goal in the 73rd minute.
Aside from his match-winning effort, the Brazilian was also impressive with his runs behind the backline on the counter-attack and he should be rewarded with a starting spot.
In our opinion, Weghorst will certainly be dropped to the bench. Marcus Rashford will lead the line. Antony should start on the right wing with Bruno Fernandes in his preferred number 10 role.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag may ponder another attacking change with Alejandro Garnacho coming in for Jadon Sancho, who struggled to make an impression against the Catalan giants.
The England star initially started in the number 10 position before shifting to the left wing after the break.
Ten Hag replaced him with Garnacho shortly after the hour mark and the Argentine starlet was definitely a more imposing figure for Barcelona’s defence with his direct and quick running.
The teenager played his part in the winning goal as his shot was blocked in the lead-up to Antony’s strike. He could have created United’s third goal but was fouled cynically by Sergio Busquets.
Garnacho and Sancho have regularly swapped places in the line-up over the past few games. The former could start on the left wing on Sunday after being praised by Erik ten Hag for his bravery.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
