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Ratings: Rashford & Casemiro star in Barcelona draw; United will be stronger next week at the Theatre of Dreams

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Manchester United drew 2-2 with Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the UEFA Europa League play off first leg. Marcus Alonso opened the scoring in the 50th minute of the match before Marcus Rashford scored his 22nd goal of the season two minutes later to equalise. United then took the lead in the 59th minute through an own goal before Raphinha equalised for Barcelona in the 76th minute. Next week will be the decider at Old Trafford.

United started well against Barcelona at the Camp Nou with Bruno Fernandes on the attack, whipping a dangerous cross into the box which was just missed by the outstretched leg of Fred. Both teams were looking to attack, which was the sign of a good match. In the seventh minute, Tyrell Malacia did well on the left to find Marcus Rashford, who played a cross into the box on the floor with Fernandes receiving it and firing a shot but it was blocked by Jordi Alba.

David De Gea made save in the ninth minute to deny Robert Lewandowski, with Alba crossing the ball into the Polish striker. Barcelona won a free-kick in the 12th minute as Fred fouled Gavi. Marcos Alonso took the set-piece and fired the ball over the crossbar. Come the 16th minute, United were on the back foot with Alba getting plenty of space on the left. Gavi had a chance on goal in the 19th minute, playing the ball into Pedri but it went over the bar.

United won a corner in the 21st minute as Jules Koundé tried to pass the ball back to Marc-André ter Stegen with the goalkeeper stretching to collect the ball and it going behind. Luke Shaw whipped the corner kick into the box but it was dealt with easily by the Barcelona defence. United came close in the 27th minute as Aaron Wan-Bissaka did well on the right, picked out Jadon Sancho who had a shot on goal but got a slight deflection with the ball going out.

Wout Weghorst had a great chance to put United ahead in the 28th minute, one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he failed to take advantage of it. On the half hour, United had a free-kick, taken by Shaw on the left. The cross was met by the head of Casemiro but it was straight to Ter Stegen. Alba was booked in the 31st minute for dissent. In the 33rd minute, Casemiro rose to win the ball in the box but could not reach it from the corner. Ter Stegen then made a save from Rashford.

De Gea made another save in the 37th minute with Alba driving towards goal but the Spanish goalkeeper was there to make the save. Wan-Bissaka’s challenge on Alba made the left-back unhappy – but he slid, won the ball in a fair challenge. In the 41st minute, Pedri could not continue and was replaced by Sergi Roberto. Raphael Varane brought down Gavi in the 43rd minute and was booked. Two additional minutes were played but it was 0-0 at the end of the half.

At the start of the second half there were not substitutions by either team. In the 47th minute Raphinha whipped a cross into Lewandowski but Varane did well to clear the danger with his head. Raphinha then had a shot on goal but was wide of the target. In the 49th minute, United had a chance at the other end of the pitch with Sancho at the back post but his effort on goal was wide. Barcelona took the lead in the 50th minute though Alonso with Raphinha getting the assist.

It was an almost instant reaction from United who equalised in the 52nd minute through Rashford, with his 22nd goal of the season so far. Casemiro found Fred, who played the ball into Rashford to get United their first Camp Nou goal since 1998. The match had burst into life. United were ahead before the hour after Jules Koundé scored an own goal in the 59th minute of the match. What a match this had become. Many thought United had little chance here.

In the 64th minute, Fernandes sent Rashford running, getting into the box and threatening again. It seemed he was fouled in the box by Koundé but the referee gave nothing. Erik ten Hag was unhappy and demonstrated it with the fourth official. The Dutchman booked. Casemiro was also booked in the aftermath of that. This was starting to become a nervy match with play at both ends with either side able to snatch something from the clash.

Barcelona made a triple substitution in the 67th minute with Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Baldé replacing Franck Kessie, Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba. Barcelona then won a free-kick which Lewandowski fired over the crossbar. Tyrell Malacia was booked for bringing Raphinha down on the 72nd minute with Gavi then booked a minute later for a foul – which will see him suspended for the second leg at Old Trafford in a week’s time.

Barcelona levelled in the 76th minute of the match through none other than Raphinha. He was beginning to play dangerously on the right with the former Leeds United winger threatening United time and time again over the last few minutes. It seemed that Lewandowski had a touch before De Gea was beaten, but he never touched it. 2-2 is a good result so far with all to play for at the Theatre of Dreams next week. Ten Hag and United will be pleased with that.

United had another chance to take the lead in their 79th minute with Sancho, who found Rashford in space but he fired his shot wide of the target. At the other end of the pitch, a boost piece of defending by Shaw gave Barcelona a chance Raphinha ending up lofting De Gea but he did not get enough on the effort to cause more damage. In the 81st minute, Ten Hag made his first substitution with Alejandro Garnacho replacing Sancho. United still have a chance here.

Barcelona made their final substitution in the 83rd minute of the match with former Manchester City winger Ferran Torres replacing Raphinha – who looked upset that he was coming off after being lively against United for much of the second half. Casemiro brought down Gavi in the 84th minute, a few yards outside of the United box. Nothing came of the set-piece for Barcelona with them seeking to get a win in this match after getting back into it.

In the 86th minute there was penalty appear for Barcelona. Fred was adjudged to have outstretched his arm in the box to deflect the ball. VAR took a look at the supposed handball but decided it was not worthy of a penalty. Barcelona seemed to be livid. The standard of refereeing in the match was quite poor against United with Barcelona seemingly playing up for the referee to get all of the decisions in their favour. United were lucky in the 87th as Casemiro hit his own post.

That could have been an embarrassing own goal to have scored, if it went in. United were on the attack in the 89th minute of the match with Barcelona under a bit of pressure. United did well in this match and got more from the match than I realistically thought they would. I predicted a 2-1 victory for United but did not believe it would be the case. A 2-2 draw sets everything up nicely for United in a week’s time – if it ended up that result – which seemed likely.

Around four minutes were added at the end of the match. There were no real chances in that time and it seemed like United would leave Barcelona with a 2-2 draw to battle out against at Old Trafford to reach the round of 16 stage of the UEFA Europa League this season. It was a good result for United. The match ended 2-2, which was fair. United now need to battle Leicester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday before they ready themselves for Barcelona again.

Player Ratings

David De Gea: The Spanish goalkeeper was not able to match Peter Schmeichel’s 180 clean sheet record for United at the camp Nou but there is plenty of time for that to happen this season – it will be the last thing on his mind right now. He made a couple of saved from Robert Lewandowski and Jordi Alba. He was unable to stop Barcelona from scoring from both indirect and direct chances. It was a good performance for the Spanish goalkeeper though. ★★★★★★

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: The English right-back did create one of United’s best openings against Barcelona at the Camp Nou but at times he was not as strong as he could have been in the defence. It seemed like he was a constant presence in attack, with United capitalising from lots of opportunities, which was great to see. It was an encouraging evening for both Wan-Bissaka and United and they will be relishing their chance next week. ★★★★★★★

Raphael Varane: The Frenchman recovered well to deny Robert Lewandowski in the first half and really should have done more to deny Raphinha for his equaliser in the second half. He is a class act to have at United and his experience will benefit United in the coming weeks. United have a good chance to knock Barcelona out of this tie seeing them out of Europe this season but it will be a tough match at Old Trafford next week. Leicester up next though. ★★★★★★

Luke Shaw: Despite playing many matches in the last few months in this position, his inexperience in a central defensive role was clear to see. I think he favoured better than Harry Maguire of Victor Lindelof would have thought. He was caught out by both Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. He will be much more comfortable playing in his favoured left-back role against Barcelona at the Theatre of Dreams next week. United did do well collectively though. ★★★★★★

Tyrell Malacia: The Dutchman could have made more of the space that United were afforded against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, especially on the flanks. He did advance into the final third but failed to take his chance which could have resulted in something for United. He was a positive with Luke Shaw in the centre of the defence but next week Lisandro Martinez will be back which could see the Dutchman on the bench once more. ★★★★★★

Casemiro: The Brazilian’s game management was brilliant for United and important for the United attacking players to get forward and create something for the club. He lost possession of the ball which led to Barcelona’s equaliser late in the match. He will have been rusty having missed the last two matches due to suspension. Will be rested for this weekend’s match with his final match ban after his sending off. A bright spark for United. ★★★★★★★

Fred: The Brazilian lost Marcos Alonso at the start of the second half with resulted in Barcelona opening the scoring. That was probably the best thing to happen to him as it inspired him to perform to a higher level. Just two minutes later he assist for Marcus Rashford’s equaliser with some good play in the run up to the goal. His performance grew later in the match and he was a positive, especially in the second half. Marcel Sabitzer could start next week. ★★★★★★

Jadon Sancho: Needed to do so much better against Barcelona. Did not take full advantage of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s pull-back and he seemed to waste a good chance at the start of the second half. It is early days for him after his return from three months out already this season but that said, with Antony close to returning for United, he will need to impress to keep his place in the team – United’s bench will be stronger. Replaced by Alejandro Garnacho. ★★★★★

Bruno Fernandes: Started on the right-wing but moved inside later in the match and created a great chance for Wout Weghorst from that position. He played a part in the goal scored by Jules Koundé after he flicked the ball into the box only for the French defender to put it into the back of his own net. He will be pleased with the result that United got but it should have been a victory. United will entertain Barcelona at the Theatre of Dreams next week. ★★★★★★

Marcus Rashford: Scored his 22nd goal of the season and was up for getting more against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. What a season he is having for United. It almost seems like Erik ten Hag as found more ability from the forward and has nurtured him to find his true level in this game. Had plenty of chances and threatened Marc-Andre Ter Stegen on occasion before and after scoring. He got the better of Raphinha to get his goal in this match. ★★★★★★★★

Wout Weghorst: The Dutchman started in behind Marcus Rashford but had a great chance on goal one-on-one with the Barcelona goalkeeper and did not get a goal. He will need to finish a lot better than this for United during the remainder of the season. He has helped the United attack at times but needs to be scoring goals to make his loan spell successful at the Theatre of Dreams. Ten Hag will be pleased with what he has done but will want more. ★★★★★

Substitutes

Alejandro Garnacho: Replaced Sancho 81′. Came on late in the match to bring some energy and pace on the ball. Did not have long enough on the pitch to take anything from the match but showed glimpses of what he could do. He will be pleased to get more minutes after doing well at the weekend against Leeds United. United got a good result in Barcelona but will need to be at the top of their game at the Theatre of Dreams next week. ★★★★★★

Match Information

Goals: Marcos Alonso 50′; Marcus Rashford 52′, Jules Koundé 59’ o/g

Assists: Raphinha 50′; Fred 52′

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Fred; Sancho (Garnacho 81′), Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst

Substitutes Not Used: Heaton, Butland; Lindelof, Maguire, Dalot; Iqbal, Mainoo; Pellestri, Elanga

Bookings: Jordi Alba 31′, Gavi 73′; Raphael Varane 43′, Casemiro 66′, Tyrell Malacia 72′

Written by John Walker



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Manchester United

Ratings: De Gea, Martinez & Sabitzer were great against Fulham; Fernandes’ brace was a positive too

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17 hours ago

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March 20, 2023

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Manchester United beat Fulham 3-1 at Old Trafford in the Emirate FA Cup quarter final. It was Fulham who were the better team for large spells as Aleksandar Mitrović opening the scoring in the 50th minute of the match. A Willian handball gave a penalty for United which Bruno Fernandes scored – Willian, Mitrović and Marco Silva were sent off. Marcel Saboteur then scored his first goal for United before Fernandes scored a second.

Fulham started well at Old Trafford with Aleksandar Mitrović showing great strength down the right in the second minute, whipping in a good ball that Scott McTominay had to be alert to knock behind. Harry Maguire then headed clear the resulting set-piece. David De Gea made a save in the third minute as Issa Diop was found 15-yards out on an angle, looping a good header towards De Gea, who had the help the ball over the crossbar. Fulham were lively.

In the fourth minute of the match Mitrović had a penalty appeal waved away after he thought he was fouled by Luke Shaw in the box. United seemed to be sloppy from the start with Maguire adding to it with bad passing from the back. Andreas Pereira then drove forward in the eighth minute, found Mitrović who then set up Willian on the edge of the box, who should have found more but hit his effort far and wide of the target. United needed to be so much better.

In the tenth minute, Bruno Fernandes was down needing treatment after seemingly being elbowed just above his waist. He was fine to continue though. Marcus Rashford launched an attack in the 13th minute, finding Wout Weghorst on the edge of the box for the Dutchman’s finish was not good enough and was straight at Bernd Leno. Mitrović seemed to be lively in the early stages of the match, seeking a goal against United in the Emirates FA Cup.

Fulham had a good chance in the 14th minute with Harrison Reed nicking the ball off Lisandro Martinez then charging into the box. He had three in the box but his final ball was not good enough and the ball was cleared out for a corner. The corner found its way to Tim Ream on the left flank and he delivered a good ball across the face of the goal but there were no takers for Fulham. Andreas Pereira was booked in the 18th minute for a foul on Rashford.

Maguire was booked three minutes later, which would be a suspension for the semi final of the competition, should United get there where the winner of this match will face Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley. United were close in the 24th minute as Rashford cut onto his right foot, curled the ball into where Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer were but neither of them could reach it in the end. Fulham wanted another penalty in the 26th minute after Mitrović went down.

It was not given though as there was nothing in it – other than a dive for Mitrović. Fulham had a chance in the 31st minute but Mitrović was unable to find the back of the net. United had a chance at the other end a minute later with Rashford the source of imagination for United but on his final ball, Leno was able to get to block it which ricocheted of Rashford and out for a goal kick. United then started to find some flow but needed a lot more than they had brought to far.

Martinez defended well in the 40th minute as Mitrović was sent up the channel, having an eye for the box. He tried to beat the Argentinian defender with a change of pace but Martinez stayed strong and came away with the ball. Sabitzer had a chance on goal in the 41st minute, taking on a strike from 22-yards but Leno parried it away. Jadon Sancho started something a minute later, with Sabitzer also involved but Rashford did not get to it. It was 0-0 at half time.

There were no substitutions for either team during the break. Fulham started on top again in the second half with João Palhinha and Reed keeping the chance alive, Willian then back heeled the ball to Antonee Robinson who shot at goal but De Gea tipped it over the crossbar. De Gea made another save a minute later was Willian struck from the edge of the box. Fulham opened the scoring in the 50th minute through Mitrović, who buried the ball provided by Issa Diop.

In the 54th minute, United went direct to Weghorst who held it for Rashford, then finding Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder took his strike from the edge of the box but it was wide of the target. Ten Hag made a substitution in the 59th minute with Antony replacing McTominay. Willian started rolling back the years in the 64th minute, showing his class and ability. He was unable to inspire Fulham to double their lead though. United still needed to get something back.

De Gea performed another great save in the 66th after Mitrović rose highest to head towards goal. Fernandes had some involvement in something in the 68th minute, sending it in to Sancho, who struck it and it deflected off Rashford. In the 70th minute, Willian seemed to handle the ball, being honest about it. VAR got involved and the referee looked at the screen. He sent Willian off and gave United a penalty – it was a harsh sending off for the Brazilian.

Mitrović got nasty, pushed the referee and pushed his face into his face and was sent off for that. Marco Silva was also sent off for his reaction from the double red card, which turned into a treble. Fernandes took the penalty, scoring his ninth goal of the season for United. Two minutes later, Sabitzer scored his first goal for United after Shaw played the ball into him as he was running in the box. VAR looked at the goal and awarded it. United were 1-0 down to 2-1 up.

That was a dramatic ten minutes. Willian was perhaps treated badly for that sending off but what Mitrović did was out of order and he deserves that. Silva also deserved to be sent off for his reaction to what happened. Some will say United got their way with the referees again but it was purely on Fulham what happened. United just gained from it. That is what happens in football. The Fernandes penalty followed by the Saboteur goal was brilliant for United.

United seemed to cool the game down after that, trying to keep possession – dominating the game, which was a first to be fair. It was a terrible game for United before the penalty. Antony came close in the 88th minute – it tested Leno and Diop but he was not able to score. Fred replaced Rashford in the 83rd minute of the match, giving United more in the midfield with them 2-1 up at this stage of the match. United just needed to keep the ball and keep Fulham a bay.

In the 89th minute, Luis Boa Norte – Fulham’s assistant manager, made a triple substitution with Cédric Spares, Manot Solomon and Daniel James replacing Kenny Tete, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Harrison Reed. In the 90th minute, Tom Cairney replaced Andreas Pereira. Seven minutes were added at the end of the second half. United found a third goal, through Fernandes – his tenth of the season, assisted by Fred in the sixth minute of added time.

It was United that would face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Emirates FA Cup semi final at Wembley in April with Manchester City facing Sheffield United in the other semi final. United’s match will probably be on Sunday 23 April as they are playing in the UEFA Europa League the Thursday prior to the match. Ten Hag was happy, United were happy and the supporters were happy. Another trip to Wembley for United – another chance for another trophy this season.

Player Ratings

David De Gea: Made some great saves to deny Fulham – one of which kept them in the game. Conceded to Mitrović but later in the second half, that threat was gone. It was a comfortable match for De Gea. ★★★★★★★★

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Did not seem to be at his best until Antony was on the pitch. His final third play before that was dire. Their ability with each other is good to see. One of the better aspects of his game. ★★★★★★

Harry Maguire: Not the best performances – one of the worst. Hauled down Mitrović and was booked for it – therefore misses the semi final. Kept his place as Raphael Varane was ill and regressed massively. ★★★★★

Lisandro Martinez: The Argentinian really imposed himself against Fulham, although Harrison Reed did cause him to misjudge him. That said, he was great at the back for United and health with Aleksandar Mitrović well. ★★★★★★★★

Luke Shaw: Did not really get going to help United on the attack much. Did get his seventh assist of the season though playing the ball into Marcel Sabitzer for him to score his first United goal, overlapping Jadon Sancho. ★★★★★★★

Scott McTominay: He was disciplined positionally when he did not have the ball – not that he was bad with it. He got a chance on goal just before the break. Replaced by Antony in the 58th minute of the match – before the madness. ★★★★★

Marcel Sabitzer: Scored his first goal for United. Took time to adjust with Scott McTominay. Had a good shot in the first half and played in a cross. His goal was a brilliant finish – first Austrian to score for United. ★★★★★★★★

Jadon Sancho: Seemed off the pace in the first half. Seemed slow on and off the ball at times. Did not get much dynamism in the match but did win the penalty for United with the ball touching Willian’s hand. ★★★★★★

Bruno Fernandes: Careless with the ball at times. He changed his performance when United won the penalty levelling from the spot. He got his second of the game in added time, giving him ten goals and 10 assists this season. ★★★★★★★

Marcus Rashford: He was the one player that created something in the first half. He was quiet in the second half and did not get many chances. He was replaced by Fred in the 83rd minute with United 2-1 up. ★★★★★★

Wout Weghorst: It was not a great day for the Dutchman against Fulham. He was unable to get many chances towards goal, with his first shot not actually a shot, more of a back pass. He was put in the number ten role. ★★★★★

Substitutes

Antony: Replaced McTominay 58′. He helped United on the attack with led to the penalty. He was lively since his introduction. It was good that he recovered from illness ahead of this match. Superb player on his day. ★★★★★★★

Fred: Replaced Rashford 83′. Came on giving more energy with United in the lead. He got his fourth assist of the season for Fernandes’ second goal of the match. He was an important substitute for United. ★★★★★★

Match Information

Goals: Bruno Fernandes 75′ penalty’, 90+6′, Marcel Sabitzer 77′; Aleksandar Mitrović 50′

Assists: Luke Shaw 77′, Fred 90+6′; Issa Diop 50′

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay (Antony 58′), Sabitzer; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford (Fred 83′); Weghorst

Substitutes Not Used: Butland; Lindelof, Malacia, Dalot; Mainoo; Pellistri, Elanga

Bookings: Harry Maguire 21′; Andreas Pereira 18′, Willian s/o 72′, Aleksandar Mitrović 72′

Written by John Walker



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Manchester United

Confirmed XI: Maguire & Martinez in defence; Sabitzer, Sancho, Fernandes & Rashford supporting Weghorst in attack against Fulham

Published

1 day ago

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March 19, 2023

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Manchester United face Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford this afternoon. Erik ten Hag’s side will play their second quarter final of the season days after reaching their third quarter final in the UEFA Europa League, where they will face Sevilla over two legs next month. This match against Fulham is the final match for United prior to the international break, then the season will continue with United playing nine matches in April – another busy month.

Should United beat Fulham and earn a semi final place in the FA Cup this season, the match against Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League would be postponed as that is the weekend the semi finals will be played at Wembley, so United would need to find the time to reschedule that match, plus the one against Brighton and Hove Albion that should have been played this weekend. Should United go all the way in both competitions, they will have a busy period ahead.

United and Fulham have already met at Craven Cottage in the Premier League this season, just prior to the FIFA World Cup where United won 2-1 with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the winner in in the last minute of added time. United will face Fulham again at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season. The draw for the semi final of the FA Cup should be done prior to this match commencing, providing extra time is not needed between Brighton and Grimsby Town.

Manchester United

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw;

McTominay, Sabitzer;

Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford;

Weghorst

Substitutes

Butland; Lindelof, Malacia, Dalot; Fred, Mainoo; Antony, Pellistri, Elanga

Fulham

Leno;

Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson;

Reed, Palhinha;

De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian;

Mitrovic

Substitutes

Rodak; Adarabioyo, Soares; Cairney, James, Lukic; Wilson, Solomon, Vinicius

United and Fulham have met 87 times in all competitions in the history of both clubs. United have won 53 times, drawn 20 times and lost 14 times. Earlier this season United beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, just prior to the FIFA World Cup with Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho scoring either side of Dan James’ equaliser. This will be the second meeting of the two teams this season – United face Fulham at Old Trafford in the final Premier League match this season.

United and Fulham have met 14 times in the FA Cup – United have won eight times, drawn four times and lost twice. The last defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup came back in 1908. United have scored 27 goals, conceded 15 and kept four clean sheets. The last time the two teams met in the FA Cup was back in 2013 – a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford with Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and a brave from Javier Hernandez before Aaron Hughes scored a late consolation goal.

Andreas Pereira, Dimitar Berbatov, Andy Cole, Louis Saha, Edwin van de Sar, Paul Parker, Kieran Richardson, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Chris Smalling, Tim Fosu-Mensah, George Best and Charlie Mitten have all played for both Manchester United and Fulham. Best is probably the most well-known along with van de Sar, Parker, Cole, Berbatov, Mitten Saha and Smalling. Pereira is doing well at Fulham after being sold by United. He has three goals and six assists in 31 appearances so far.

Written by John Walker



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Predicted XI: [4-2-3-1] Pellistri, Weghorst & Rashford lead attack? Fernandes, McTominay & Sabitzer secure midfield? Varane & Martinez in defence?

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2 days ago

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March 18, 2023

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Manchester United face Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Erik ten Hag’s side will play their second quarter final of the season days after reaching their third quarter final in the UEFA Europa League, where they will face Sevilla over two legs next month. This match against Fulham is the final match for United prior to the international break, then the season will continue with United playing nine matches in April – another busy month.

Should United beat Fulham and earn a semi final place in the FA Cup this season, the match against Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League would be postponed as that is the weekend the semi finals will be played at Wembley, so United would need to find the time to reschedule that match, plus the one against Brighton and Hove Albion that should have been played this weekend. Should United go all the way in both competitions, they will have a busy period ahead.

United and Fulham have already met at Craven Cottage in the Premier League this season, just prior to the FIFA World Cup where United won 2-1 with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the winner in in the last minute of added time. United will face Fulham again at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season. The draw for the semi final of the FA Cup should be done prior to this match commencing, providing extra time is not needed between Brighton and Grimsby Town.

Predicted Manchester United Starting XI – 4-3-3

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw;

Fernandes, McTominay, Sabitzer;

Pellistri, Weghorst, Rashford

Goalkeeper: De Gea

David De Gea has been a positive for United for the majority of the season. He will want to help guide United to more trophies this season after already helping the club lift the Carabao Cup this season. United have earned a UEFA Europa League quarter final next month and will be seeking to reach the semi final of the Emirates FA Cup by beating Fulham. I cannot see Jack Butland or Tom Heaton playing in goal this weekend if De Gea is fit to do so.

Granted, De Gea will need to keep fresh but having not been selected to represent Spain during the international break, he will get a fortnight off to rest and recover ahead of the next busy period for United which will see them play nine matches in April and beating Fulham will postpone another Premier League match which will need to be placed into the calendar just like the clash with Brighton and Hove Albion that should have been played this weekend.

United will probably need to rotate in the coming month or so but not now. Solidifying their place in the Premier League will need to be done as a minimum this season with the priority being to lift the Emirates FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League, seeking a cup treble in Erik ten Hag’s first season, which would really upset the ABUs. However, lifting either of them would be a positive alongside the Carabao Cup and show that United are on their way to coming back.

Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw

United’s defence has done well this season but there is a bigger test ahead of them which will result in the likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire getting more minutes during the remainder of the season. That said, it is Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez who are the preferred central defensive partnership at United this season with the Frenchman and the Argentinian complimenting themselves. Another strong purchase in the summer could solve the defence.

I think Varane, who was rested for the Real Betis victory will start against Fulham with Martinez parenting him once again. The Argentinian came off in the last 15 minutes on Thursday, giving him a bit more time to recover for Sunday’s match. He will be happy with the number of fixtures he has been playing this season though, as will Varane. They hold the keys for United getting into the semi finals of the Emirates FA Cup this season and I think United will do that.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka should start as the right-back against Fulham as for much of the season he has been a positive impact. That said, against Betis, he was not his usual self, which could have been caused by fatigue. Diogo Dalot is a positive player but since his latest return from injury, he’s not been the same player. Luke Shaw, who was rested against Betis to start against Fulham. He has had a great season and will be seeking to make it even better. This defence is United’s best.

Midfield: Fernandes, McTominay, Sabitzer

United’s midfield will face a blow for the next four domestic fixtures with Casemiro suspended after his red card against Southampton last weekend. It will be something that United will have to deal with though. Against Fulham, United could revert to a midfield three in a 4-3-3 formation as Bruno Fernandes has been playing as a central midfielder more recently which could be to counteract the absence of Casemiro. United still have a few options so it is up to Ten Hag.

Fernandes should keep his place as he’s not going to get much rest having been selected for Portugal during the international break with compatriot Diogo Dalot. Fernandes has been off the boil in the last few matches, which could be down to United’s busy fixture schedule and the fact he’s played in all but two matches thus far. Scott McTominay could also start, playing as the defensive minded midfielder – a role in which he has played many times before.

Marcel Sabitzer made his return after missing two matches due to a knock against Real Betis on Thursday evening, coming off the bench. He could start in this match to aid Fernandes in the attacking midfield role as he has an eye for a goal and enjoys playing further forward. United could change their formation at times during the match too. Fred is also an option but he’s largely been an impact substitute this season and could prove something extra against Fulham.

Forwards: Pellistri, Weghorst, Rashford

Facundo Pellistri should start for United against Fulham after playing well against Real Betis. Antony is likely to miss out this match and with Jadon Sancho in poor form, playing the young Uruguayan would be a much better option as he has done well when called upon this season. He made his first start for the club on Thursday evening and seemed to be lively on the attack, doing well on the right flank. United could rotate him for the remainder of the season, which would work.

Wout Weghorst will continue to play as the striker in this team whilst Anthony Martial is still recovering from his current injury before the next one comes. Despite the criticism and the lack of goals scored, he has been a largely positive player for United since making his loan move from Fulham, well Besiktas where he had been loaned to last summer. He has two goals to his name so far and three assists, so is on the right track – he will be seeking to score again though.

Marcus Rashford is the player to beat this season after he scored his 27th goal of the season on Thursday evening. Granted, he was off the pace for much of the match but in the 55th minute, se stepped up and scored a brilliant goal for United to settle the tie giving United a four-goal cushion in their eventual 5-1 aggregate victory. Rashford will be tired but also determined to succeed for United this season in what has been his best season yet for the Old Trafford club.

Substitutes: Heaton; Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Dalot; Fred, Mainoo; Sancho, Elanga

Ten Hag will be able to name nine players on the bench against Fulham, three short of what he could have named in the UEFA Europa League – although he only had ten players on the bench because of illness and injury. I would expect Tom Heaton to remain on the bench as the reserve goalkeeper against Fulham with De Gea expected to start once again for United. I cannot see another goalkeeper coming in at this stage of the season, unless there is an injury.

In the defence, United have the best depth going into this match. Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot should all be available for United. The defence is not the worst that it has been for United post-Sir Alex Ferguson but there is room for improvement. In the midfield, Fred and Kobbie Mainoo could be called on to make an impact if needed which would be good for the pair of them if it happens. United are literally at bare bones in this area now.

In the attack, United could have just Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga on the bench with the likelihood that Antony and Anthony Martial both miss this match, which really cuts down the attacking options for Ten Hag. That said, the players that start the match should be good enough to find the victory for United and Sancho could get a chance to show his ability once again and Elanga could finally start to show some promise, which would be good to see.

Written by John Walker



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