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Erik ten Hag’s preparations for his first competitive game as Manchester United manager were dealt a blow on Thursday as news broke that Anthony Martial is set to miss out with a hamstring problem.
The 26-year-old Frenchman was set to start upfront in United’s Premier League opener against Brighton after a series of impressive performances during pre-season, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s extended absence, provided the United number nine with an unlikely chance at redemption.
But, news from The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell has revealed that the striker will miss the opening game after sustaining a minor hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid in Oslo. It is hoped that he's able to return for the second game of the season against Brentford.
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With Ronaldo also unlikely to feature from the start due to lack of match fitness after only playing 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano during pre-season, here are three ways Erik ten Hag could rework his frontline:
#1: Elanga, Rashford, Sancho
Possibly the most likely change to the frontline will see 20-year-old Anthony Elanga brought in for the injured Martial with Marcus Rashford moved over the centre forward from his usual left-sided berth.
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Recently senior-capped Swede Elanga broke into the first team set-up last season, making over 20 appearances and scoring three goals.
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Under Ten Hag, Elanga has featured regularly during pre-season and at the time of writing is the most established player out of the current young ‘forward’ options available to the manager in the current state of affairs.
Similarly to Jadon Sancho, Elanga has been deployed on both flanks throughout his time in the United senior team so this line-up could have either player on the left or right of Rashford with there being obvious opportunities to interchange within the game.
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#2: Sancho, Rashford, Eriksen
This front three could be an opportunity to throw new signing Christian Eriksen in at the earliest opportunity. Eriksen is not averse to playing out wide, lining up there numerous times during his spell with Tottenham Hotspur, most notably in the 2017/18 season.
Whilst replacing Martial with Eriksen in the frontline would mean that the reds lose out on having an outlet and pace up front, Eriksen’s final ball, decision making and eye for goal add a different dynamic to a group of forwards who struggled to score with regularity last season.
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#3: Garnacho, Rashford, Sancho
The wildcard option, Alejandro Garnacho could be thrown into the deep end by Ten Hag and build on an already promising start to senior football.
Named United’s Jimmy Murphy young player of the year for the season just gone, 18-year-old Garnacho is not only one to watch for the future, but a talent who could provide a spark for the first team in the immediate future.
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Recently called up to his native Argentine national team, the tricky winger has continued to impress coaches and was named as part of United’s pre-season squad.
His recent performance against Rayo Vallecano in United’s final pre-season friendly not only had fans in Old Trafford off their feet every time he touched the ball but also had viewers worldwide calling for the youngster to remain in the first team.
It would be a massive statement and show of faith from Ten Hag to name the teenager in his first competitive line-up, but whatever happens on Sunday, Garnacho remains a bright young talent with ever-growing hype.
With Ten Hag unlikely to move away from the 4231/433 hybrid he’s deployed during pre-season, it is likely to be a straight swap change for the injured Martial. Regardless of who starts or misses out, however, the manager will hope that the XI picked will carry out the game plan according to his ideas and style of play, with the outcome being a win to kickstart his tenure as United boss.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga, Christian Eriksen, Erik Ten Hag, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, Football, Anthony Martial, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford