Pranav Kannan
Who would Erik ten Hag start for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest?
Manchester United are on cloud nine. Every time they look like they’ve hit an abyss with absolutely no way back up, the team come together to put on a performance for the ages that gets the excitement right back up amongst the fans. Their 3-2 win against Aston Villa was right out of Fergie’s days.
Renowned commentator Peter Drury best summed up the feverish pitch at Old Trafford when Rasmus Hojlund netted his first-ever Premier League goal to complete United’s 3-2 comeback against Unai Emery’s impressive side. Here is what he had to say.
“Dream fulfilled. And Manchester United from the depths hit the heights. At last. At long long last. Amid festivity. Rasmus Hojlund with a Premier League goal in front of a manic Stretford End. A night of thrilling Manchester United nostalgia. This is how it used to be. This is how Old Trafford can be. This is Manchester United who once upon a time were never beaten. Tonight, they remembered how it can be. Two down and going nowhere, suddenly they feel like as though they are going places.”
With the high of the resounding comeback against Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag’s men take a trip to Nottingham Forest who are on a new manager bounce. Nuno Espirito Santos led them to a win against Newcastle United and they will confident facing us.
Could the game against Aston Villa prove to be the turning point in Manchester United’s season? Or will the one swallow not make a summer? Erik ten Hag’s men will hope to build on the confidence and try and revive their faltering season.
It is important not to get carried away though. One win against Aston Villa will not mask the horrendous season that the Red Devils have had so far. Nottingham Forest offers a fresh start though, and Erik ten Hag will want to have a better second half to the season than the first one.
With all this in mind, here is how WAFU think Erik ten Hag will set his team up against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Manchester United predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana (GK)
Who else but Andre Onana in goal? The Cameroonian international has a lot going on off-field with respect to his selection to the AFCON. That should not stop Erik ten Hag from putting the former Ajax man in the goal though.
Onana has had a few quiet weeks which bodes well for him. It indicates that there have been no major howlers and his performance against Liverpool showed just how good he can get. Let’s hope Onana can continue the good run against Forest.
Diogo Dalot (RB)
It’s a toss-up between Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back. Ultimately, it’s down to the manager’s preference but we think the former would get the nod due to his superior attacking abilities. Don’t be surprised if Wan-Bissaka is chosen for this position though.
Willy Kambwala (RCB)
The teenage defender has featured in the past couple of games for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. He started against West Ham United and featured as a late substitute in the win against Aston Villa. He might be awarded a start here, although Jonny Evans could also be given a nod.
Raphael Varane (LCB)
Still can’t believe Erik ten Hag benched the Frenchman for so long. He has been at his imperious best against Liverpool and Aston Villa. Form is temporary, fitness is temporary, class is permanent. Although he isn’t comfortable playing on the left, expect the Frenchman to continue his good run against Nottingham Forest.
Luke Shaw (LB)
Shaw missed out on the Aston Villa game due to a small issue but should walk back into the starting XI provided he is fit. The Englishman still remains one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. Expect Sergio Reguilon to start though, if Shaw is unavailable.
Kobbie Mainoo (DM)
Mainoo can no longer be considered a young prospect. He is now a first-team regular and deservedly so. The young midfielder is showing maturity beyond his age. He is likely to continue in the starting XI against Nottingham Forest.
Scott McTominay (DM)
Christian Eriksen started the game against Aston Villa but could be benched in favour of McTominay against Forest. The Dane is just returning from an injury and should be managed. McTominay deserves to start and his late runs into the box can prove to be beneficial for us.
Alejandro Garnacho (RW)
How can someone bench Garnacho after his performance against Aston Villa? Playing on the right wing, the Argentinian wonderkid looked at home. What he needs to do though is start becoming more consistent and let’s hope he can build on that performance against Villa.
Bruno Fernandes (CAM)
Manchester United’s captain walks into the XI. He is the creative fulcrum of the team. When Bruno plays well, Erik ten Hag’s team plays well. That’s enough said.
Marcus Rashford (LW)
Might not have gotten on the scoresheet against Aston Villa but had a good game on his return to the starting XI. Will hope to start finding the back of the net on a more regular basis though.
Rasmus Hojlund (ST)
The hero of Manchester United’s win against Aston Villa. The Dane is finally off the mark and hopefully, it’s the first of many in the Premier League. Let’s hope he can continue in the same vein against Nottingham Forest.
