Manchester United host Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford on Sunday, 19 March. Last Word on Sports tries to put together a Manchester United Predicted Lineup as the Red Devils aim to move into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in three years.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently
Erik ten Hag has not had his fully strengthened set of players available to him in recent months, which has forced him to continue tweaking his team time and again. However, at least his back-five has been relatively fit and the likes of David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have formed a good enough chemistry to start all the important games.
Bruno Fernandes has played more minutes than any player in Europe’s top-5 leagues this season, that’s because he’s very fit and adaptable to Ten Hag’s style. Fred is often used because of his pressing ability and quick passes, while Marcel Sabizter – who was praised for being composed in possession by the United gaffer earlier this season – should get a start after regaining full fitness.
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In the frontline, there’s no benching the menacing Marcus Rashford or the hard-working Wout Weghorst. Facundo Pellistri made a nice impact in his first-ever start against Real Betis, which means he could be in line for more game-time going forward.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
The Red Devils have been in relatively good form over the last month or so, having won six out of their last ten games across all competitions. That includes the 3-1 win over West Ham United in the FA Cup Round of 16 clash, as they hope to make good on their home advantage and win another FA Cup clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag has micro-managed the Red Devils really well in the cup competitions so far, resulting in their Carabou Cup win and getting far into the FA Cup and Europa League. He’s maintained his 4-3-3 formation for such games and is going to continue with that for this one as well.
He’ll encourage his players to maintain their quick build-up style and move majorly through the wings for their attacks. That means a lot will be upon Rashford to make his darting runs through the left – while Pellistri will also be tasked to create chances with his pinpoint crosses.
Rashford, however, will be more focused on his chemistry with Fernandes. The two have been on fire, with the Portuguese midfielder having the ability to create big chances with his excellent final third passes and crosses into the area. Fred is also given a lot of freedom in this system, as he also possesses a really unpredictable final product – having the ability to pull off a screaming goal or defence splitting passes every now and then.
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Sabitzer should be the engine in the midfield being tasked to win duels and recover possession for his side. Weghorst is having trouble in finishing off chances, but his impressive pressing ability and help with the link-up play in the final third is why he keeps on starting. Ten Hag will hope the Dutchman can find his scoring boots and torment Fulham with some of his shots.
While United are likely to dominate possession and be pushing with their attacking football, they can’t take Fulham lightly. The Cottagers have a ruthless frontline and are menacing on the transitions. That means the Red Devils’ backline has the work cut out for them, as they’ll need to maintain a tight shape and be especially focused on keeping the dangerous Aleksander Mitrovic quiet inside the box.
Ten Hag will urge his side to feed off the energy of the Old Trafford crowd and maintain their impressive home form. The Red Devils are going to take the fight to Fulham and look to be ruthless in transitions as well as innovative in unlocking the visitors to move forward to the semi-finals.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Casemiro is suspended for the next four domestic games, meaning he’ll miss this one. Antony and Anthony Martial have been ruled out of this game, while Scott McTominay is also doubtful. Alejandro Garnacho is also out after suffering an injury against Southampton. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Bek are long-term absentees.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Fred, Marcel Sabitzer, Bruno Fernandes, Facundo Pellistri, Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst
