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Ratings: Rashford & De Gea brilliant in victory over Leicester; Weghorst’s workrate is a massive positive

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Manchester United beat Leicester City 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring, assisted by Bruno Fernandes in the 25th minute of the match. Rashford then doubled United’s lead in the 56th minute, assisted by Fred but it was flagged for offside – VAR gave the goal. Jadon Sancho scored the third goal of the match in the 61st minute with Fernandes getting his second assist of the match. What a victory for United.

United started off quickly against Leicester. Marcus Rashford had a shot blocked in the fifth minute of the match. Just two minutes later, Leicester were starting to find their presence in the match with Tetê having a shot on goal, which missed the target. Kelechi Iheanacho then had a shot, which was blocked before Harvey Barnes fired a shot in the eighth minute, which was superbly saved by David De Gea to deny Leicester from scoring an early goal.

Iheanacho had another shot blocked in the tenth minute of the match with Leicester seeking to find an early goal. The Nigerian striker then missed the target in the 11th minute. At the other end of the pitch, Luke Shaw was found by Fred, launching his shot on goal only for it to be blocked. In the 16th minute, Harry Souttar missed the target with a shot with Tetê missing two minutes later. Iheanacho then forced another save from De Gea in the 21st minute.

United broke the deadlock in the 25th minute of the match with Marcus Rashford scoring his 23rd goal of the season. Fernandes found Rashford with a through ball with the England forward striking with his right foot on the right side of the box into the bottom left corner of the goal. That is five goals in the last five matches for Rashford. What a season he is having. In the 31st minute, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall missed the target seeking to get Leicester level.

Alejandro Garnacho had a shot on goal in the 32nd minute of the match with United seeking to double their lead but his shot missed the target. Diogo Dalot had a great chance to double United’s lead in the 37th minute of the match, in fact he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he failed to get the ball into the back of the net. Fred had a shot blocked in the 41st minute. Marcel Sabitzer seemed to connect his studs with the thigh of Wout Faes but VAR check it – no card.

James Maddison missed a shot on goal in the first minute but then United started another attack. Wout Faes seemed to have fouled Rashford then Fernandes with the referee giving him a yellow card in the third minute of added time. United won a free-kick which Luke Shaw took, just tipping the ball over the crossbar. The referee blew his whistle after four minutes of added time with United leading 1-0. It would be a big second half for Erik ten Hag’s side.

At the start of the second half, Ten Hag made his first substitution with Jadon Sancho replacing Alejandro Garnacho. Nampalys Mendy became the second Leicester player in the book after his foul on Rashford in the 48th minute of the match. Lisandro Martínez hit the crossbar with a header from the centre of the box in the 49th minute. What a goal that would have been for him. Wout Weghorst then missed a shot on goal in the same minute.

Both Fernandes and Rashford had shots saved in the 50th minute. Maddison then had a shot blocked , then missed another in the 53rd minute. Weghorst missed the target a minute later. United doubled their lead in the 56th minute with Rashford scoring his second goal of the match – his 24th of the season. The linesman raised his flag but VAR gave the goal as he was not offside. That will upset the ABUs. Scott McTominay replaced Fred in the 59th minute.

Leicester then made a double substitution with Youri Tielemans and Boubakary Soumaré replacing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Nampalys Mendy at the same time United made their second change. United then tripled their lead in the 61st minute with Jadon Sancho scoring his fifth goal of the season with a left footed shot from the centre of the box. What a finish it was. Shaw then had an attempt on goal saved in the 63rd minute as he looked to extend United’s lead more.

Tetê had a shot on goal in the 65th minute, missing the target. United made a double substitution in the 69th minute with Anthony Elanga and Aaron Wan-Bissaka replacing Rashford and Shaw. Sancho had a shot on goal which was blocked in the 70th minute of the match, also missing the target in the same minute. Weghorst missed the target in the 71st minute then had a shot blocked in the 72nd. Martínez then missed with a header in the 73rd minute, which was a shame.

Leicester then made a double substitution with Dennis Praet and Jamie Vardy replaced Tetê and Iheanacho in the 75th minute. In the 80th minute, Ten Hag brought on Kobbie Mainoo to replace Sabitzer. Maddison had an attempt blocked in the 82nd minute with Praet having one blocked two minutes later. Barnes saw another blocked in the 85th minute. Weghorst drew a save from Danny Ward in the 88th minute, which was a shame for him as he had a great performance.

Anthony Elanga forced a save in the 90th minute. Four minutes were added at the end of the second half. Maddison had a shot blocked then saved in the first two minutes of added time. United took all three points from this match with a well-earned victory over Leicester. They can now rest ahead of the UEFA Europa League play off second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday evening. There will be some unhappy people out there today as United won.

Player Ratings

David De Gea: The Spanish goalkeeper made a fair few saves to deny Leicester, after an uncomfortable 20 minutes or so at the start of the match. David De Gea stood firm throughout the entire match and earned the clean sheet that saw him level with Peter Schmeichel. United were comfortable for much of the match although Leicester did try and get back into the match – the Spanish goalkeeper had it covered today though. His form is brilliant at this time. ★★★★★★★★

Diogo Dalot: The Portuguese right-back played well against Leicester. He should have scored in the first half but somehow missed it. It is good to see him build his fitness up after coming back recently from his second thigh injury after the World Cup. He ended the match playing in the left-back role after Luke Shaw came off. It was a positive performance from him and he will be pushing himself to win back his place ahead of a big week for United. ★★★★★★

Victor Lindelof: He got the better of Kelechi Iheanacho’s shot on goal, which was a bit tame. That said, he was not as confident against Leicester, who had plenty of chances on goal. De Gea was the player that stood out, other than Lisandro Martinez in the centre of the defence. Lindelof will be seeking to play more minutes but perhaps only started this match with Harry Maguire out injured? I am sure we will see him again this season. ★★★★★★

Lisandro Martinez: The Argentinian was not at his best in the first half of the match but recovered in the second. He had a headed effort his the crossbar in the second half, also having another effort on goal – failing to get a goal against Leicester. He got stuck into the match and did what he needed to in the second half with United doing all they needed to win win the match and get three more points after their rivals dropped points once again. ★★★★★★

Luke Shaw: The England left-back was caught out of his position a few times with Leicester’s attacking players looking to capitalise. However, he recovered in the second half, doing much better in both attack and defence for the 23 minutes or so he played in the second half. He seemed to be injured at a point but also seemed to run it off. That said, he was replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka with Diogo Dalot reverting to left-back. ★★★★★★

Fred: The Brazilian is a 50/50 player right now. Sometimes he can be good – other times he can be poor. This was not a match that he made himself look great. Marcel Sabitzer had more work to do with him on the pitch. He had some moments and got his third assist of the season for Marcus Rashford’s second goal of the match. That said, his match was over almost instantly with Scott McTominay replacing him with the Scotland international returning to fitness. ★★★★★

Marcel Sabitzer: The Austrian was perhaps lucky to still be on the pitch after his challenge in the first half which resulted in his studs connecting with the thigh of Wout Faes. I think Marcel Sabitzer will be much better playing alongside Casemiro in the United midfield and will probably compliment the Brazilian like Christian Eriksen has this season. Sabitzer’s match ended on the 80th minute after he was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo. ★★★★★★

Marcus Rashford: Scored his 23rd goal of the season – his fifth goal in the last five matches. What a season Marcus Rashford is having. When United need him, he seems to be there at the moment. He could easily reach 30+ goals this season now with the number of matches left. He got his second goal, albeit after VAR intervened, which was also his 24th of the season. He was then replaced by Anthony Elanga – so no chance of another hat-trick. ★★★★★★★★

Bruno Fernandes: The Portuguese midfielder got two assists against Leicester, assisting for Marcus Rashford’s opener and Jadon Sancho’s second half goal. He is such a positive player for United and worked his socks off against Leicester. He will be up for the challenge of Barcelona and Newcastle United this coming week – which is the biggest week for United so far this season. They have done their business in the Premier League – until they play again. ★★★★★★★★

Alejandro Garnacho: The teenager did well against Leicester. But there will be those ‘fans’ who criticise him for not scoring. But he’s 18. He’s not the end product and has a way to go to reach his potential. But these ‘people’ continue talking as if they are 100% knowledgeable in this sport despite lacking everyday knowledge. Garnacho did well but he was replaced at the start of the second half by Jadon Sancho. It was a good performance from him. ★★★★★★

Wout Weghorst: The Dutchman played in the number ten position in the first half and worked hard, as he has done since he arrived at the club in January. He did return to the number nine role in the team in the second half, which saw him get many chances on goal. His work rate is a massive positive and despite the criticism he gets for not scoring, he has helped United find more goals with the space he creates. He’s a major benefit to United. ★★★★★★

Substitutes

Jadon Sancho: Replaced Garnacho 46′. He immediately improved United from the start of the second half. He had his fifth goal of the season within a quarter of an hour. His finish was a strikers finish, straight through the middle and beating the keeper. He will be full of confidence now as United get ready for Barcelona’s visit of the Theatre of Dreams on Thursday evening. This was his best performance this season and he will get better. ★★★★★★★★

Scott McTominay: Replaced Fred 58′. Returned from injury to boost United’s midfield at a good time for the club. It was a steady return for him and he will need time to get back up to speed with his teammates. He is a good head to have on the bench and can put in the effort, even if he does not come across as a superstar player. Teams do not need to be filled with superstars – just players who can do what is asked by the manager and their teammates. ★★★★★★

Anthony Elanga: Replaced Rashford 69′. Came on to offer more speed on the attack and continue to push this Leicester team when they were 3-0 down with United’s work done. He pushed Leicester’s back line but I still feel he does not have what is required for United to keep picking him when better players are already in the team. However, he will be crucial this season as United look to rest players once the job has been done. ★★★★★★

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Replaced Shaw 69′. Came on at right-back with Diogo Dalot shifted to the left-back role. He was eager on the right and did both defensive and attacking duties. He’s probably going to start against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Wednesday with Dalot likely to start the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United. It is good that United have two positive right-backs this season – something Ten Hag did not think he has six months ago. ★★★★★★

Kobbie Mainoo: Replaced Sabitzer 80′. The 17-year-old made his Premier League debut against Leicester, getting ten minutes on the pitch with United’s job done and three points already in the bag. It was a good feeling for him, to make his debut in the English top flight and there will be more to come from him in the not too distant future as Ten Hag clearly sees something in him. He did what was needed from him and did not do anything wrong. ★★★★★★

Match Information

Goals: Marcus Rashford 25′, 56′, Jadon Sancho 61′

Assists: Bruno Fernandes 25′, 61′, Fred 56′

Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw (Wan-Bissaka 69′); Fred (McTominay 58′), Sabitzer (Mainoo 80′); Rashford (Elanga 69′), Fernandes, Garnacho (Sancho 46′); Weghorst

Substitutes Not Used: Heaton; Malacia, Varane; Pellistri

Bookings: Wout Faes 45+3′, Nampalys Mendy 48′

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

Published

5 days 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

5 days ago

on

March 19, 2023

By

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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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Manchester United

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

Published

6 days ago

on

March 18, 2023

By

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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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