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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Erik ten Hag could give Manchester United fans what they want vs Bournemouth

Though Manchester United's form has been slightly patchy in recent weeks, you would argue that the vast majority of Erik ten Hag's starting XI picks itself at the moment.

Last Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolves at Old Trafford halted a two-match losing run at the ideal time to inject fresh blood into a stuttering run for the top four. United got the job done against Julen Lopetegui's side with a commanding and professional performance, sealed thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho either side of half-time.

Despite the roaring pace of Liverpool's late dash for the Champions League places, United remain in charge of their own destiny and know that six points from their last three games will guarantee them a top-four spot. Though nothing is a guarantee in football, certainly at this stage of the season, it is the fact that two of the Reds' last three matches are at home that is easing United's supporters' nerves.

READ MORE: United announce Phil Jones exit

But before attention can switch to next week's games against Chelsea and then Fulham in M16, United must overcome the tricky obstacle that is Bournemouth this afternoon. The Cherries, though they have nothing but pride to play for in their last two games, will want to mark their final home game of the season with a victory to send their supporters away for the summer break with smiles on their faces.

Bournemouth have successfully staved off the threat of relegation quite impressively in recent weeks and have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the not-too-distant past. Furthermore, the tightness of their pitch, where the fans are right on top of the players, can make it difficult for visiting sides if they are not fully switched on.

Ten Hag, though, will have no doubt warned his players about that this week. He will understand the importance of getting all three points and avoiding the unwanted feeling of being under intense pressure heading into the final two games, especially if Liverpool beat Aston Villa this afternoon.

United have got to treat this clash with the Cherries as the first of three cup finals ahead of the main cup final on June 3 at Wembley against Manchester City. With the injury crisis having eased, Ten Hag does, at least, now have a near-fully-fit squad to choose from, with only Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Donny van de Beek certain absentees.

The Dutchman, however, is sweating over Marcus Rashford's availability. He reported ill yesterday, meaning he could miss out for the second game running after missing last weekend's win over Wolves through a leg injury that he has since recovered from.

Though Ten Hag refused to rule the England international out completely during his pre-match press call yesterday lunchtime, the prospect of him missing out should not be as concerning as it would have been two or three weeks ago. That is because Garnacho is now back in contention and pushing for a start.

Alejandro Garnacho made a telling contribution against Wolves last time out. (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images.)

He stepped off the bench to make his highly-anticipated return from injury last weekend to score and seal the points, meaning he will be desperate for a starting berth. The Argentine, who is only 18, is an immensely popular figure among United's fans and they were, as Wolves threatened to creep back into the contest, demanding for Ten Hag to throw him on.

After 82 minutes, Ten Hag gave them their wish; Garnacho stepped off the bench, almost from nowhere, to replace Jadon Sancho. Just 12 minutes later he was celebrating his fifth goal of the season.

Before he had even found the net, United's fans were singing his name, just as they often have done this season. They think the world of the former Atletico Madrid youngster and they know the club has a generational star on its hands.

He brings flair, creativity and desire to the table - three qualities that every football supporter loves. It is why, should Rashford miss out, Garnacho must be the man that replaces him on the left flank.

Jadon Sancho did little to impress when his opportunity came his way last weekend, meaning Garnacho deserves the opportunity to stake a claim this afternoon. Ten Hag and everyone connected with United will, of course, be hoping and praying that Rashford is available and makes the squad, but Garnacho is both an excellent and popular option to fall back on.

Aside from that potential left-wing conundrum, should Rashford make it, Ten Hag shouldn't have too many selection headaches.

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