Man United play West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday and our writers have shared their preferred starting line ups.
Manchester United will still be riding the crest of a wave when taking on West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday night.
Erik ten Hag’s side ended the club’s worst trophy drought for over 40 years by lifting the League Cup at Wembley at the weekend and supporters are hoping that memorable success can be the springboard for major honours elsewhere.
United remain in contention to win the Europa League and FA Cup this season and West Ham, who are struggling in the Premier League with David Moyes in charge, stand in their way of progressing in the fifth round of the latter competition.
Regarding team news for the game, Anthony Martial remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hip injury. Ten Hag also confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Luke Shaw and Fred could be doubts for the game.
Samuel Luckhurst
United have to make changes with an eye on the Liverpool game, as much as to give players a breather after two intense matches last week. Raphael Varane and Casemiro should not start tonight to ensure they are well conditioned for Anfield.
Victor Lindelof has a good partnership with Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay have looked a well-balanced midfield pairing in the second halves of their two games together.
Bruno Fernandes is a remarkably durable player but looked leggy at Wembley and it affected his performance. There is not an obvious alternative as the No.10 but Jadon Sancho played there to good effect against Leicester. He was not as effective there as a starter against Barcelona, though.
Rich Fay
It should all be about balance tonight, and Ten Hag has plenty of options to choose from. Wan-Bissaka should come in at right-back while Varane should be awarded a rest, with Lindelof the best choice to replace him.
It feels like the type of game McTominay would typically play, and he would be a worthy starter in midfield in order to give Casemiro a deserved rest.
If possible it would be nice to make a change in attack, though with options limited, there might only be room for one from the start.
Steven Railston
This is an opportunity for rotation, although Ten Hag will inevitably still field a strong side to ensure the best possible chance of progressing to the next round of the FA Cup, which is another avenue for silverware after the League Cup triumph.
Maguire and Lindelof have played countless matches together and they should be given a chance to play with Wan-Bissaka and Malacia in the full-back positions. In midfield, Fred is a doubt and shouldn’t be risked, so Sabitzer should start.
It also makes sense to start the front three from Sunday’s starting XI at Wembley, as too much rotation could be detrimental to momentum.
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