Erik ten Hag has claimed Manchester United have been preparing to play Tyrell Malacia at right-back in the absence of Diogo Dalot.
Sunday's match against Fulham is United's last before the break for the World Cup begins, but Ten Hag has not given rest to any key personnel, as expected, with the starting line-up returning to full strength after the League Cup assignment.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel with the United squad to London to face Fulham on Sunday afternoon following his absence in the League Cup in midweek. The forward will now meet up with Portugal to represent his nation at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
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Martin Dubravka made his United debut and started against Aston Villa on Thursday night but David de Gea has returned to the starting side for Fulham, while Malacia has been handed a start at right-back with Dalot suspended.
Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Casemrio have returned to the side and Anthony Martial, who started against Villa in the League Cup, will lead the line again at Craven Cottage, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the flanks.
Ten Hag was asked about his starting XI ahead of kick-off and he explained the logic behind his team selection.
"Of course, yeah [happy with Malacia at right-back], we did it several times in training when Tyrell replaced him [Dalot] and he did quite well," Ten Hag told MUTV. "And also, I think tactics will be good, we expect a player like Willian to be good in the pockets.
"He can be good outside, Ty can deal with that. We work on his [Elanga] movements and that's what we need today. Movements behind and we have to explore that, we need to see the pass, but you need movements to get behind.
"Elanga, Martial, Rashford and Bruno can do that, so that's why. It's a fact [lack of attacking options], but I think we have a strong front line still and we are happy Anthony Martial is available, so hopefully he can continue his process and keep fit.
"Everyone wants a win going into the break, it's really important. Last week was not acceptable and we need a reaction."
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