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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David McDonnell

Bruno Fernandes gives Erik ten Hag decision to make despite obvious Man Utd alternative

Bruno Fernandes handed Manchester United a major boost by travelling with the squad to London for tonight's Premier League top-four showdown at Tottenham.

Fernandes was an injury doubt after coming off with an ankle injury during extra-time in United's FA Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out win over Brighton at Wembley on Sunday. He was pictured wearing a protective cast on his right foot the following day, but had discarded it by Wednesday at the training ground and when he travelled to the capital with the rest of Erik ten Hag's squad.

Fernandes is the only major selection issue for Ten Hag ahead of a game that, if United win, will see them take a big step towards a top-four finish and an immediate return to the Champions League.

With David De gea in goal, the back-four picks itself for the trip to Spurs, in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane still injured.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are likely to anchor the midfield, with Fernandes playing in a more advanced role ahead of them if he is deemed fit enough to start.

Bruno Fernandes has travelled with the United squad (Eamonn and James Clarke)
Casemiro will again take centre stage at the heart of midfield (ZENPIX LTD)

If Fernandes only makes the bench, Marcel Sabitzer – who has been effective in the more advanced role just behind the striker – is likely to come into the line-up in his place.

The front three is likely to be Antony on the right, Anthony Martial through the middle and Marcus Rashford on the left, with Ten Hag having few options at his disposal to shuffle his personnel.

Man Utd Likely Starting XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

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