Early team news and suggested lineups as Man Utd host Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday night.
Manchester United are back in action tonight when they host Championship side Reading in the FA Cup fourth round.
Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to end their trophy drought this season and are confident of progressing to the next stage of the competition this weekend.
In terms of team news, Jadon Sancho could return to the United squad, but Diogo Dalot is ruled out and Luke Shaw is doubtful.
Here’s how the MEN writers think United should line up.
United have an enviable squad depth and now it’s time to show it. There should be a change in goal with Butland having the chance to show their quality but they are limited in full-back options.
Maguire would be better suited to a physical side of the Championship, and Lindelof is a sensible inclusion alongside him. Fred and Scott McTominay should start in midfield to give some key players a rest. Fernandes is one yellow card away from suspension so it’s an unnecessary risk and Eriksen should start ahead of him.
Rashford is invincible and it makes sense to play him in the middle but let him rest next week. Garnacho deserves to start on the left and Elanga could start on the right ahead of Pellistri.
Rich’s team: Butland, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia, Fred, McTominay, Eriksen, Elanga, Garnacho, Rashford.
Samuel Luckhurst
United are in an advantageous position to rest players before the Premier League season resumes against Crystal Palace in a week’s time. It is safe to initiate Tom Heaton, and politically, initiating Harry Maguire is wise and harmless. Victor Lindelof deserves a second consecutive start.
It should be safe to pair McTominay and Fred, the latter unfortunate not to start against either Arsenal or Forest. Alejandro Garnacho is late and United need to take a look at Facundo Pellistri early on sooner rather than later.
Fernandes could be out of the second leg against Forest.
Daniel Murphy
Ten Hag don’t usually name a weakened team much, even if the level of the opposition offers a good opportunity to do so, but this week of games gives the manager a good chance to rotate his squad and keep everyone updated before a frantic race. of games that includes doubles with Leeds and Barcelona.
There is little choice but to field Wan-Bissaka and Malacia at full-backs due to fitness problems elsewhere, but Lindelof and Maguire, a familiar duo, should start at the heart of defence. Likewise, the midfield must be changed.
Fernandes is one yellow card away from suspeeeeeeeeeeeeeension, while Casemiro and Eriksen can always save for bigger games. I would bring McTominay and Fred into the fold alongside the exciting young Mainoo to give him another chance.
I would keep the attack fairly strong to ensure the job gets done without any hiccups. Rashford can start on top to give Weghorst a rest, while Antony and Garnacho can put their wings on