Manchester United may spring a tactical surprise against Man City in FA Cup final

One of Erik ten Hag's most underrated assets is his ability to control the hospital pass. He managed Cristiano Ronaldo's decline near-faultlessly and effectively stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy without officially doing so.

Before a competitive ball was kicked this season, the Manchester United manager got a tune out of Anthony Martial in pre-season. Martial, given a breather against Fulham on Sunday, has a favourable chance of starting the FA Cup final for a club that listed him in the 'for sale' column months ago.

It is a good gauge of a coach's qualities when they are able to make use of the furniture they have inherited. Consider Mikel Arteta with Granit Xhaka, Pep Guardiola with Nicolas Otamendi and Divock Origi's reinvention under Jurgen Klopp.

Also read: United considering possible Fred transfer to Fulham amid midfield interest

Figures at United acknowledged in the summer Martial would be a challenge for Ten Hag. The challenge has been more to do with his agility than his ability in a season Martial has sustained five separate injuries and missed 32 games.

Ten Hag has said United are a better side with Martial starting. He has stressed that so repeatedly he must believe it even if many supporters don't. Rather than scorn an unsellable talent who has outstayed his welcome, Ten Hag has maximised Martial (when available) whilst also planning for life without him.

The same applies to Fred, filmed in conversation with the Fulham coach Marco Silva outside Old Trafford on Sunday. Intermediaries have proposed a Fred transfer to Fulham, conscious United have planned to sell a midfielder to part-finance the arrival of a new one.

Fred, 30 and approaching the fifth anniversary of his move to United, is out of