This week could be crucial for Manchester United as they prepare to face their main rivals for a place in the Premier League top four — Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
After a goalless draw at home to Newcastle United, Erik ten Hag knows his team cannot afford to drop any more points or they will fall behind the pack ahead of them.
Tough week ahead for the United
The Red Devils are currently fifth in the table, three points behind Chelsea who are in fourth, and seven points behind third-place Tottenham, who have played a game more.
Spurs are up first and they have proved to be a tough team to beat under Antonio Conte. The North London side has lost only one so far and they will be hoping to keep that streak intact.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has advised Ten Hag to drop Jadon Sancho and play Cristiano Ronaldo as that would give the 20-time English champions the best chance of success.
Merson feels Ten Hag’s best chance to get over the line against a well-drilled Spurs side is to play a three-pronged attack comprising of Marcus Rashford, Ronaldo, and Antony.
Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, he said, “I think Cristiano Ronaldo will play this game. I only say that because I know that Tottenham will play everybody behind the ball.
“Manchester United will need to put balls into the box, and Ronaldo is the best header of the ball in the world. I’d leave Jadon Sancho out this week and play Ronaldo, Rashford, and Antony up front.”
Ronaldo a better option than Sancho
Rashford had the chance to seal all three points against Newcastle late on from a header but he ended up missing the goal altogether. If Ronaldo were on the pitch at that time, that would most likely not have been the case.
The Portuguese were the star last time around when both teams met. His hat trick inspired United to a thrilling 3-2 win after which Conte was forced to come out and praise United’s No 7.
The Italian manager is wary of the threat Ronaldo poses in the competition, and no team will dare to underestimate the Portugal international despite his poor form so far this season.
Ten Hag will be hoping to get Anthony Martial fit for the game and will have a big decision to make regarding team selection for tonight’s game while keeping the crowded schedule in mind.
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