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Strategic Reshuffle on the Cards
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag is considering a significant change in his team’s setup for the highly anticipated FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City. The Dutchman, who may be overseeing his final game for the Reds, is reported to be pondering the relegation of star player Casemiro to the bench for the Wembley spectacle.
Amrabat Poised for Midfield Role
Recent training sessions have hinted at a potential starting spot for Sofyan Amrabat, who is tipped to fill in the void left by Casemiro. The Moroccan’s recent performances have caught the eye of the coaching staff, particularly in a defensive capacity, yet he may find himself propelled further up the field due to the return of key defenders.
Defensive Duo Ready for Action
The much-welcomed news for United fans is the return of defensive stalwarts Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, both of whom are expected to be fit and take their place in the backline for the final showdown, bringing stability to what Ten Hag has described as a “nightmare” defensive situation throughout the season.
Casemiro’s Form Under Scrutiny
Despite arriving in a high-profile £70million transfer in 2022 and having an impressive debut season, Casemiro’s current form has been a topic of debate, with the midfielder facing criticism, notably from pundit Jamie Carragher. Ten Hag has been vocal about the challenges faced with defensive injuries, emphasizing the need for a robust squad to tackle the upcoming fixture.
Ten Hag’s Future in Question
While Ten Hag has been reassured by the club’s hierarchy of his central role in the forthcoming rebuild this summer, there are persistent whispers suggesting his tenure could be cut short, irrespective of the outcome in the FA Cup final. Should his departure be confirmed, a list of potential successors is already being compiled, with Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank, and Kieran McKenna as the reported frontrunners.
Ten Hag’s Tenure in Numbers
Ten Hag’s reign at Manchester United has seen a mixture of highs and lows. Here’s a snapshot of his managerial record at the club:
- Games Managed: 113
- Victories: 67
- Draws: 15
- Defeats: 31
- Goals Scored: 205
- Goals Against: 155
- Average Points Per Game: 1.91
- Trophies: EFL Cup x1 (2023)
As the FA Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on Ten Hag’s selection and whether his tactical gamble, should it come to fruition, will pay dividends against a formidable Manchester City side.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://3pointsforawin.com/?p=120300
