Manchester United will face Wigan on January 8th, giving Erik ten Hag the chance to hand some players their first start of the season.
When the FA Cup was announced in early December, no doubt multiple players in the Manchester United squad saw it as their chance to feature.
With so many academy players impressing at Carrington, facing a League One side in the cup could be the ideal time to play a few.
The argument for this is only strengthened by the injury crisis Erik ten Hag‘s side are currently suffering through. It could be that the game is viewed as an opportunity for regulars to be given extended rest, with January already a barren schedule.
So with that in mind, here are three players we’d like to see be given their first start in the game at the DW Stadium.
Altay Bayindir
First on the list is a player who will be more than ready to make his first start in goal for Manchester United. Altay Bayindir was signed in the summer from Fenerbahce but with Andre Onana ahead of him, is yet to appear which has seen him linked with a move away.
But with Onana now confirmed to be heading off to AFCON in January, Bayindir is set to be thrust into the spotlight for United.
Bayindir has a huge opportunity to give Ten Hag a decision to make if he can put in some impressive displays starting against Wigan and continuing against Spurs and possibly Wolves on February 1st.
Amad
Amad returned to the bench against Nottingham Forest in the final Premier League game of 2023.
A step up to starting is the logical next step, and it is a chance he needs. Antony has been unconvincing so there is a chance for him to stake a claim for a more regular spot.
Amad is not heading to the AFCON and so he can use January to really kick on at United if given the opportunity, starting with this fixture.
Isak Hansen-Aaroen
Norway’s Isak Hansen-Aaroen is one of the most exciting talents United have as we all saw during pre-season when he held his own in multiple appearances.
A star in the youth ranks and for his nation, Hansen-Aaroen could be the Ten Hag’s ideal player to come into the midfield in Bruno Fernandes’ spot.
His most recent impressive display was away to Galatasaray in the UEFA Youth League, in which he made a whopping five key passes and completed four dribbles – via SofaScore.
It’s time to unleash him upon Wigan, there’s a strong chance he doesn’t look back as he is primed to thrive.
Dan Gore
This is probably the likeliest of the three given Dan Gore has already featured competitively this season, and he’s a first-team member. This came in the form of a cameo in the League Cup against Crystal Palace – in which he impressed.
Gore could easily fill into either of the two pivot slots currently in place at United and 100% deserves his shot from the start.
If Ten Hag can’t play Gore against Wigan then he probably shouldn’t be at the club and should head straight into the manager’s office the day after to request a loan move.
Joe Hugill
The final of the three we’re thinking could start against Wigan is Joe Hugill, the striker who scored against Leeds in pre-season.
Hugill is a player on the cusp of a first-team appearance with Anthony Martial is clearly out of favour.
The 20-year-old has made the bench for United three times in the last month, so it’s safe to assume at some point he will feature.
So why not in the FA Cup against Wigan? If not, he’s another who should seek a loan.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/GYRLaB0