Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is a very happy man right now as the team build towards the FA Cup Final.
The lows really are crushing with Manchester United. But on the other side, sometimes it takes just one win for the positivity to come flooding back.
The 3-2 victory over Newcastle in midweek was just Manchester United’s second win since the international break.
Crucially, it has lifted the spirits of everybody at the club at the perfect time, showing the team is capable of winning a big game.
Amad and Amrabat impress
Part of the reason for the buoyancy at Manchester United and new-found optimism, were the performances of Amad and Sofyan Amrabat.
Both players started the game and stakeda real claim for a start in the FA Cup Final.
Speaking at a press conference, Erik ten Hag spoke thankfully that the players have now given him a positive selection dilemma.
The manager said: “It’s internal competition. I think they perform well, first. Their progression across the season is very good from both and now they deserved their chance, they took their chance and that’s a luxury [selection] problem, which is good.
“That is what I need, what I was waiting for, for so long.
“Actually, what I was waiting for the whole season, such a luxury problem. We need a squad to win both [the Brighton and Manchester City] games.”
Returning players complicate selection
The complications for Amad and Sofyan Amrabat come due to returning players hoping they also will have a part to play in the FA Cup Final.
There are a number of centre-backs aiming to return, which will move Casemiro up into midfield. The Brazilian is likely to be battling for a spot alongside Kobbie Mainoo, along with Amrabat and Scott McTominay.
Amad meanwhile could find himself shunted out by Marcus Rashford‘s return to action.
As Ten Hag said, it is a good problem to have, compared to the injury nightmare he has endured this season.
Finals are tough, you cannot select everybody, and if you lose, decisions will constantly be second-guessed. There must be one combination of players that have it in them to beat City. Ten Hag just has to find the right one.