Erik ten Hag has explained why he has opted to throw new signing Wout Weghorst straight into the action for his Manchester United debut against Crystal Palace.
The Dutchman’s arrival on loan from Burnley was confirmed last Friday, but he was not eligible to face rivals Manchester City in the Reds’ derby-day success on Saturday.
The 30-year-old will therefore come into the United side at the first opportunity this evening for our trip to Selhurst Park, as one of three changes, with Lisandro Martinez and Anthony also coming into the line-up.
Martinez is set for his first Premier League start since the World Cup break as he is partnered by Raphael Varane in central defence, with Luke Shaw and former Palace man Aaron Wan-Bissaka flanking on either side.
Bruno Fernandes moves back into midfield to make way for Antony to start on the right, with Fred dropping to the bench, and Weghorst spearheads the attack in place of Anthony Martial.
In the Palace camp, Patrick Vieira has made four changes to the side that was defeated by Chelsea at the weekend, with Tyrick Mitchell, Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Richards and Will Hughes regaining starting spots.
Speaking about Weghorst, and whether his selection would affect our style of play, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “Nothing, it changes nothing. To [Anthony] Martial obviously he is a different profile, but he’s a typical no. 9, so it fits good with Antony, it fits good with Bruno [Fernandes] and it fits good with Marcus Rashford.
Ten Hag had no hesitation over keeping Casemiro in his line-up, despite the Brazilian being just one yellow card away from facing a one-match ban. United's next game after Palace is, of course, away to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
“We are aware of that, but it’s about today,”
the Dutchman added.
“Sunday is Sunday. Obviously, we don’t want him to get booked, but it’s about winning today.
“I’m looking forward [to it]. It’s great to play here and it’s always an ambience, really loudly, and that’s fine, our players like it. I like it. So, perfect.”
LINE-UPS
United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Fernandes, Eriksen, Antony, Weghorst, Rashford.
Substitutes: Heaton, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Fred, Pellistri, Elanga, McTominay, Garnacho.
Palace: Guaita, Mitchell, Guehi, Richards, Clyne, Hughes, Doucoure, Zaha, Mateta, Olise, Edouard.
Substitutes: Johnstone, Ward, Tomkins, Riedewald, Milivojevic, Schlupp, Ozoh, Eze, Ayew.