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Erik ten Hag faces big selection dilemma in defence ahead of Europa League showdown

Manchester United will get their Europa League campaign underway by hosting FC Twente tomorrow.

Erik ten Hag now enjoys a wealth of selection options that eluded him last season.

However, he faces a significant dilemma in deciding whether to rotate his players or to field his strongest defence.

Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot have formed a robust back-line.

Harry Maguire is poised to start after losing his spot to De Ligt. The England international has been on the bench for the previous three Premier League games.

He made brief appearances in the second half against Liverpool and Southampton but was an unused substitute in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

It won’t be surprising to see him starting against FC Twente tomorrow.

Jonny Evans could partner with him if Ten Hag wants to rest Martinez.

The Argentine played 90 minutes in every league match except against Southampton, where he was taken off in the 77th minute.

Dalot is expected to be in the starting line-up with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw still injured.

He could be switched to his favoured right-back spot if Ten Hag hands Mazraoui a breather.

However, that could be a risky bet due to the absence of a specialist left-back.

Toby Collyer played as a left-back in the 7-0 win against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup last week.

Although he initially faced challenges, he found his rhythm as United asserted their dominance.

Ten Hag has the option to rotate, but whether he chooses to do so is a tricky question.

The Dutchman will want to take the Europa League seriously, as the competition not only offers the chance to win silverware but also serves as a pathway to the Champions League.