Erik ten Hag has told several players they must take the chance afforded to them when other more established stars are unavailable to play.
Manchester United return to European action on Thursday evening for the second leg of their last 16 with Real Betis. Ten Hag's side hold a 4-1 advantage after an exciting first leg at Old Trafford and, providing there's no disaster, should sail into the quarter-finals.
However, United will be light on attacking options as Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony Martial haven't made the trip to Seville. Antony didn't train with his teammates on Wednesday and nor did Garnacho as he's set for weeks on the sidelines after suffering an ankle ligament injury against Southampton.
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Martial did train but is still yet to return to action a week after making his comeback at Carrington. The Frenchman hasn't played 90 minutes for United in well over two years.
With United down to the bare bones in attack, the forwards who have struggled for minutes this season may be in for a rare opportunity to start. Facundo Pellistri will be hoping to make his full debut for United after impressive cameos off the bench in recent weeks but Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga will also be looking for minutes from the first whistle.
Whoever does come in, Ten Hag has challenged them to step up to the plate and take their chance. ''Yes and I have said that to several players," the Dutchman replied when asked if the injuries provide an opportunity for those who have seen fewer minutes this season.
"When players get injured, other players have to fill in. I think the whole season was not optimum. We lost a lot of players during the season, but every time we put a team on the pitch [we are] really acting as a team who can adjust and deal with setbacks.''
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