Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should start Alejandro Garnacho or Facundo Pellistri on the right wing when they face Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener.
The Red Devils have had a disappointing Premier League campaign thus far, and they have suffered three defeats in their opening five games. The club are currently 13th in the table.
Ten Hag experimented with a midfield diamond formation against Brighton on Saturday, but it barely worked in the team’s favour as Brighton capitalised on the space out wide.
Scott McTominay was undoubtedly the worst performer in midfield with just 15 successful passes in over 80 minutes and in our opinion, the manager should revert to his regular formation.
United’s success under the Dutchman has mostly come with the 4-2-3-1 set-up, and they should go with the system in Wednesday’s Champions League game at the Allianz Arena.
With both Antony and Jadon Sancho unavailable due to different reasons, Ten Hag has two options at his disposal on the right wing. He could go with either Pellistri or Garnacho.
Pellistri is a natural from the position, having played almost every game from the role. His ability to dribble his way out of tight spaces has been one of the highlights of his young career.
The Uruguayan has been a key player at the international level, but Ten Hag has been reluctant to play him from the starting XI. We believe the youngster deserves an opportunity.
Meanwhile, the same can be said for Garnacho. Most United fans believed this could be his major breakthrough season, but the Argentine has been a late substitute in recent games.
The teenager has largely featured on the left flank for United’s first-team, but he has played a fair number of games from the right wing at youth level. He just needs the manager’s backing.
The other alternative could be to start Bruno Fernandes on the right wing with Christian Eriksen in the number 10 role. This would mean McTominay keeping his place in midfield with Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat injured.
In our view, Fernandes is best suited and most creative from the attacking midfield spot, and the Portuguese should continue in his position of strength against the German champions.
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