Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes for their Premier League away game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Portuguese playmaker recently picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will now serve a one-match ban.
Set to be sidelined for today’s clash at Villa Park, Fernandes’ suspension will be a good opportunity for another player to step up and prove their worth.
Although fans will have to wait an hour before kick-off to learn the manager’s preferred starting 11, it is fair to say that Donny van de Beek will probably be the player called into action.
However, with the former Ajax midfielder still struggling to impress, Ten Hag could get creative with his midfield options and push the likes of Christian Eriksen higher up the pitch.
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Nevertheless, whatever tactic Ten Hag opts to go with, by his own admission, replacing Fernandes will not be easy.
Speaking about the impact the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder’s exclusion could have and how important it is for the entire squad to come together, Ten Hag, who spoke to the club’s official website, said: “Bruno is so important for us.
“In every match, he plays really good. I think also yesterday, he was playing from the right, he made an impact there as well. You see, for instance, with the goal and also some other actions. As a no.10, he’s playing really good games and we have to replace him, that’s the squad.
“Therefore, you need a squad, it’s not about 11 players, you need a squad to win in a season and now we have to replace him and we will do.”
The Red Devils’ away game against Aston Villa is set to kick off at 2 p.m (UK time) but will not be broadcast in the United Kingdom.
