Manchester United’s midfield will be giving Erik ten Hag a few headaches ahead of their Premier League clash with Leeds.
The Red Devils host the now manager-less club at Old Trafford on Wednesday and can draw level with rivals Man City in the table.
talkSPORT is the only place to follow the match with our exclusive commentary as it will not be broadcast on UK TV channels.
The game was meant to be played last year, but the death of Queen Elizabeth II forced it to be postponed.
It is the first of a Man United vs Leeds double-header, with the sides playing the reverse fixture at Elland Road on Sunday.
Ten Hag goes into this match without some of his key midfielders.
Christian Eriksen is a long-term absentee and faces a race to get back for the end of the season.
Scott McTominay has also been confirmed as out for the match at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
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Star midfielder Casemiro is also starting the first of a three-match ban for putting his hands around the throat of Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes.
The Dutch manager no doubt thinking about the Europa League against Barcelona coming up too as the games come thick and fast.
Ten Hag also confirmed that Antony and Anthony Martial would not be available to face Leeds, with his options further diminished.
Here are the options available to the United manager…
Sabitzer, Fred and Fernandes
The obvious option would be for Ten Hag to bring Marcel Sabitzer in as a straight swap for Casemiro.
He would then sit alongside Fred, with Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield role.
The on loan Bayern Munich midfielder came on in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, replacing Antony, following Casemiro’s red.
Jadon Sancho could also come into the team with the Brazil winger unavailable.
Martinez
Ten Hag has actually played Lisandro Martinez in midfield before, at the beginning of his spell at Ajax.
It could be a wildcard option for the Dutchman, or if he has any further injuries or suspensions to worry about.
Speaking to Argentinian newspaper Ole in 2021, Martinez said: “The day I get to play central midfielder, I’ll do it again. If that helps the team, I’m going to do it. The same as from the side (full-back).
“I consider myself a versatile player who is always predisposed to give the best beyond the position.”
The youngsters
Should Ten Hag really want to surprise Leeds, then he can throw in a youngster to start the match.
Kobbie Mainoo has regularly featured on the United bench in the Premier League and has featured in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The 17-year-old is a promising young talent and the fact he is making the bench at all should be an indication of his potential.
