Erik ten Hag gives early Man Utd team news ahead of Manchester derby with updates on four players

Erik ten Hag was asked about the fitness of four Manchester United players on Tuesday ahead of the Manchester derby at the weekend.

The Red Devils manager was speaking after his side progressed to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup thanks to a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic, with Antony netting in the first half at Old Trafford, before Marcus Rashford’s late brace wrapped things up. United have been joined by Newcastle United in the last four, while the winners of Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton vs Manchester City on Wednesday will make up the semi-final line-up.

Therefore, United could play their near neighbours three times before the end of January, should they be paired together, in addition to Saturday’s league meeting at Old Trafford.

Ahead of the the clash, the Red Devils suffered an injury blow with Diogo Dalot coming off in the first half against Charlton due to a knock, while Donny van de Beek will almost certainly have to sit on the sidelines following the knee injury he suffered last week in the win over Bournemouth. Asked about the duo on Tuesday night, Ten Hag responded: Both I can’t tell that much.

“Diogo came off but it was a precaution, we have to see how it develops in the coming hours and we have to make a decision. Donny, still we are doing some final investigations and when we have that I will update you.”

Ten Hag also confirmed Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, who weren’t named in the squad, were left out due to rotation rather than injury and will be available for the derby on Saturday. The Red Devils head into that game on the back of an eight-game winning run, while they’ve suffered just one defeat in the last 18 in all competitions.