Defensive puzzle for Erik ten Hag in FA Cup semi-final: Varane, Martínez and Maguire absent | Foreign football

Maguire led in Spain on Thursday with an error in the defeat against Sevilla (3-0) and with it the elimination in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. A week earlier, Ten Hag’s team had given away a 2-0 lead in the final phase in the first game against Sevilla at their own Old Trafford by own goals from Maguire and Tyrell Malacia (2-2).

Nevertheless, Ten Hag defended Maguire in the run-up to the game against Brighton. “He has a very important role in the team. He is the captain, he leads and communicates with the manager. He motivates the team and he is an example for everyone on the training field,” said the Dutch coach, who can immediately wash away the bad taste of the duel with Sevilla. “You couldn’t wish for a better opportunity for that. We have to show that we are worth playing in this shirt.”

Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes returns to Ten Hag’s selection. He was absent on Thursday due to a suspension. Attacker Anthony Martial had to be replaced in Seville shortly after the break due to an injury. It is still uncertain whether the Frenchman can play the semi-finals of the most important English cup tournament. Midfielder Scott McTominay is missing anyway. This applies to the injured former Ajax player Joël Veltman at Brighton.

Manchester United won the League Cup earlier this year, the ‘second’ cup tournament in England.