Erik ten Hag has been forced to make some adjustments for this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion as captain Harry Maguire retired from the squad due to suspension.
Maguire spent a night at Sevilla last week and with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane offside, Ten Hag called in Luke Shaw to swap positions in the centre of defence.
It’s a role Shaw played earlier this season and England’s foreigner inspired his few appearances there during the year.
Bruno Fernandes returned to the side after missing Sevilla and Jadon Sancho was abandoned. Anthony Martial is a starter despite what looked like a knee injury in Spain.
Speaking before the match, the coach explained some of his decision to call up his squad for the highly anticipated semi-final at Wembley.
“No matter who plays, we have to win. Of course, it’s vital when you have quality players, they can make the difference, the 3,” Ten Hag told Manchester United’s official website.
“No [concerns about Shaw]. I think it’s the first time this partnership with Victor [has been used], but he knows what to do.
“I think we prepared it very well. They know how to bond with each other to anticipate Brighton’s safe moves, so I accept it as true with him. So it’s the right solution. “
On the field, Ten Hag’s decisions are understandable. Fernandes is the heartbeat of the team and he was going to return while dropping Sancho is no surprise.
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