Three ways Manchester United could line up without Antony in FA Cup final

Manchester United were dealt a blow on Thursday when Antony was taken off on a stretcher against Chelsea inside half-an-hour with an injury described as “serious" by Erik ten Hag.

The winger looked in discomfort following a tackle from Trevoh Chalobah and now is considered a big doubt for the FA Cup final against Manchester City in eight days’ time. Antony has been a prominent part of Ten Hag’s plan this season.

The Brazilian has played 44 times, 39 of those being starts, and has recorded eight goals and three assists. His potential absence would be a huge miss for United, although there are several players who can step into the gap left on the right flank.

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Behind the front three, the midfield trio and back line might well select itself. David de Gea will undoubtedly start with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw as the full-backs.

Victor Lindelof will likely partner Raphael Varane at centre-half with Lisandro Martinez out for the season while Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes are backed to start in front of them.

What the front three will look like amid Antony's absence is not certain, although one possibility seems the most plausible.

Marcus Rashford became the first United player since Robin van Persie 10 years ago to score 30 goals in a season after finding the net against Chelsea. To start him anywhere else but the left would be criminal, especially after being so ineffective as the loan striker in October’s 6-3 defeat to City.

Martial is one away from hitting double figures this term and is United’s best centre-forward by a distance. Ten Hag has trusted in Sancho despite a period of stagnant form in recent weeks.

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