Ten Hag has four options with Antony absent and ‘no way back’ for Sancho
Man Utd players' feelings towards Jadon Sancho after latest Erik ten Hag spat
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has four options at his disposal ahead of a period without preferred right winger Antony. The 23-year-old is taking a leave of absence to address domestic abuse allegations made by three former girlfriends to Brazilian media, with no return timeline set.
It leaves Ten Hag with a headache ahead of a daunting double-header against Brighton and Hove Albion and Bayern Munich once the international break concludes.
Express Sport picks out four possible solutions while Antony assists with the investigation in his homeland.
Facundo Pellistri’s big break
Facundo Pellistri has shown promising glimpses of his quality from the bench and regularly starts for Uruguay.
But the 21-year-old winger has started just once for United since joining from Penarol in 2020. Now could be his time to shine.
With Antony absent and Jadon Sancho’s future uncertain, Ten Hag could hand Pellistri his big break after the international break.
Amad may also come into contention once he returns from an injury that has kept him out for the whole season so far.
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Left-wing sacrifice
Marcus Rashford demonstrated why his best position is on the left against Arsenal, opening the scoring in delightful fashion at the Emirates Stadium.
But he has been made to fill in on the right before, and Ten Hag could reluctantly ask him to do the role again while Antony is away.
Alternatively, Alejandro Garnacho could be handed the chance for more starts by taking on the right-wing mantle.
His pace and explosiveness to beat defenders on the outside could prove valuable with a 6ft 5in striker in Rasmus Hojlund to aim at.
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Left-wing sacrifice
Marcus Rashford demonstrated why his best position is on the left against Arsenal, opening the scoring in delightful fashion at the Emirates Stadium.
But he has been made to fill in on the right before, and Ten Hag could reluctantly ask him to do the role again while Antony is away.
Alternatively, Alejandro Garnacho could be handed the chance for more starts by taking on the right-wing mantle.
His pace and explosiveness to beat defenders on the outside could prove valuable with a 6ft 5in striker in Rasmus Hojlund to aim at.
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One of two wide playmakers
The most likely outcome for many is Bruno Fernandes pushing out to the right now that Ten Hag has the midfield reinforcements to cover him.
Fernandes could start out wide against Brighton, with Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen making up the midfield.
Reports claim Mason Mount is eyeing an injury comeback against Brighton or Bayern, and he has previously impressed out wide for Chelsea.
Ten Hag may view his £60m new boy as an ideal solution while Antony is out of contention, allowing Fernandes to continue dictating games centrally.
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One of two wide playmakers
The most likely outcome for many is Bruno Fernandes pushing out to the right now that Ten Hag has the midfield reinforcements to cover him.
Fernandes could start out wide against Brighton, with Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen making up the midfield.
Reports claim Mason Mount is eyeing an injury comeback against Brighton or Bayern, and he has previously impressed out wide for Chelsea.
Ten Hag may view his £60m new boy as an ideal solution while Antony is out of contention, allowing Fernandes to continue dictating games centrally.
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