Manchester United are facing a selection quandry this weekend but the solution may be right under Louis van Gaal’s nose.
The Red Devils could go top of the Premier League this weekend if results go their way.
If that is a reason to be hopeful, for United fans, the spate of injuries to the senior squad may dampen optimism somewhat.
Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial will miss Sunday’s date with Watford, at Vicarage Road, and James Wilson has failed to convince Van Gaal that he can lead the line for 90 minutes.
But the Dutchman may well promote another Under-21 prospect. The lucky man on this occasion could be Ashley Fletcher.
Before the international break, Van Gaal placed young defender Alex Tuanzebe on his bench for the away draw with Crystal Palace.
The following week, he had Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on the bench for West Brom’s visit to Old Trafford and awarded him a senior debut late in the match.
With striking options stretched, van Gaal is reportedly considering 20-year-old forward Ashley Fletcher for his Watford matchday squad.
He is certainly a man bang in form.
After impressing with United’s U18 and U19 sides in recent years and did not falter when stepping up to Warren Joyce’s U21s last season. He began this season with a hat-trick in cup competition and he scored a fine goal [go to 0:58] in a recent Manchester derby, which United won 4-0.
https://youtu.be/m9yumJUXqpY
On November 8, the rangy striker was called into England’s U20 squad for back-to-back games with France.
Fletcher made his U20 debut last week and scored in England’s 4-3 defeat.
He definitely has his eye in. All he needs next is a squad number and a chance against the Hornets.
