Erik ten Hag will hope Bruno Fernandes is available for Manchester United’s Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
The midfielder is a major doubt for the encounter after picking up a knock in Sunday’s FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Fernandes was seen limping after the game and was pictured in a protective boot during the week.
But Ten Hag said ahead of the trip to Spurs that the boot was a protective measure and is still hopeful that Fernandes can play some role in Thursday’s match. “We have to see how Bruno Fernandes is,” explained the United boss.
“We don’t know yet, he is a question mark. I think for the rest, we are quite okay. It’s more often [than not] that players [wear the boot], that we protect them,” he added. "Prevention.
“But it [the ankle] has to settle down so we all have seen he played the full [90-minute] game and it happened in the first half. But [the game is] Thursday, so tomorrow is quick but we have to see what is possible.”
Speaking separately to MUTV, Ten Hag also gave an update on Alejandro Garnacho, who has not played since mid-March due to an ankle injury. "Garnacho is back on the [training] pitch but he’s not ready for the game tomorrow,” explained the Dutchman.
Other than that, Tom Heaton, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are all set to miss out. With so many absences, here’s how we think Ten Hag will set up on Thursday…
1. GK: David de Gea
Has come in for criticism recently but played well at the weekend.
2. RB: Diogo Dalot
It’s a toss up between Wan-Bissaka and Dalot, but the latter has played more of late.
3. CB: Victor Lindelof
With Varane and Martinez out, Sunday’s man of the match could keep his place in the team.
4. CB: Luke Shaw
Lined up alongside Lindelof on Sunday and could do the same again at Spurs, meaning Harry Maguire would remain on the bench.