The left-back comes into the starting XI in place of the suspended Diogo Dalot (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has explained his somewhat surprising decision to field Tyrell Malacia at left-back for Manchester United’s clash with Fulham and believes the Dutchman is well-equipped to contain Willian.
The Red Devils travelled to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon without the suspended Diogo Dalot – who has been in excellent form this season – while Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains sidelined.
There had been suggestions that Victor Lindelof might be picked to play at right-back, but Ten Hag feels usual left-back Malacia has enough practice in the role and matches up nicely against Fulham left winger Willian.
Asked if he is happy that Malacia will be comfortable in the role, Ten Hag told MUTV: ‘Oh yeah. We did it several times in training and some games where Tyrell replaced him [Dalot] and did quite well.
‘Also I think the tactics will be good, we are expecting a player like Willian, he can be good in the pocket, he can be good outside, and Ty can deal with that.’
The Dutchman added to Sky Sports: ‘We tried him in training, also in some games, and he did very well there, so that’s the reason why.’
Anthony Elanga is also handed a rare start for United (Picture: Getty)
Alejandro Garnacho was a livewire off the bench in Thursday’s Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa, registering two assists, but he does not make the starting line-up against Fulham.
Instead, Anthony Elanga lines up on wing and Ten Hag believes the young Swede can be a threat to Fulham’s defence with his movement and running in behind the defence.
‘We’re working a lot with him, about his movements, and that is what we need today,’ explained the United boss.
‘Movement in behind. We have to explore the space in behind Fulham, but you need movements in behind and Elanga – and Martial and Rashford and Bruno – they can do that.’
United are without Jadon Sancho, Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo – who is ill – for their final match before the World Cup and Ten Hag was forced to name two goalkeepers on his bench as a result, with the packed scheduled hampering his team selection.
He added: ‘It’s the effect [of so many games]. But still I think we have a strong frontline and we are happy that Anthony Martial is available, so hopefully he can continue this process, keeping fit.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag blocks Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United’s first team dressing room
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The left-back comes into the starting XI in place of the suspended Diogo Dalot.
