Manchester United return to club action this weekend when they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
With the sides separated by just three points in the race for the Champions League places, it’s an important game to come back to after the international break. The clash with Eddie Howe’s men kicks off a huge month for United, who are still fighting on three fronts.
The Red Devils face Newcastle, Brentford and Everton in the Premier League within a week of club football returning, while there are trips to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur to follow, before April ends by hosting Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag will bring the team back to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion. The date and time have yet to be confirmed for the game, but it will almost certainly be on Sunday 23 April due to United’s Europa League involvement. A double-headed tie against Sevilla awaits them in the quarter-finals of the competition, which will take place on 13 and 20 April.
Therefore, the need for Ten Hag to have a deep squad is imperative with such a busy fixture schedule. But the Dutchman does have several injury and suspension concerns ahead of the club’s return from the international break.
Indeed, six players missed United’s last game - the FA Cup win over Fulham - and two more have picked up knocks during the break. We’ve rounded up the latest on all eight players and whether they are likely to be involved this weekend.
5. Donny van de Beek
Won’t play again this season due to a knee injury he sustained in January. Van de Beek did recently post a video of himself back in the gym, however.
6. Alejandro Garnacho
Picked up an ankle injury earlier this month, which ruled him out of the club’s last two games and meeting up with the Argentina squad. The full extent of the issue has not been revealed, something Ten Hag may give an update on when he speaks to the press on Friday.
7. Marcus Rashford
Pulled out of England duty with a slight knock and then, somewhat controversially, posted images of himself in New York. Rashford has since returned to training and is expected to play against Newcastle.
8. Anthony Martial
Has struggled with a hip issue for the majority of 2023, although the attacker has been back in full-contact training for a number of weeks. Ten Hag will give an update on Friday, but it’s hoped Martial will be available for Sunday’s match.