Erik ten Hag will have to shuffle his squad for the weekend clash against Nottingham Forest.
The Manchester United manager looks set to be without Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for the game after both were forced off with injuries in Thursday’s Europa League draw against Sevilla.
Ten Hag was unable to give an update on the defenders when speaking after the match at Old Trafford, or during his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to the City Ground. However, he did reveal that Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay could be back in time for Sunday’s game after both missed the Sevilla match with knocks.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho remain on the sidelines for United, meaning Ten Hag is short of options in the attacking areas. He was boosted by the return of Anthony Martial in midweek, however, with the no.9 starting for the first time since January.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are also back for United, with the former missing the last four domestic matches through suspension, while Eriksen came back last week from a long-term ankle issue. However, it’s unlikely the Danish international is available to start given his long layoff.
Ten Hag also has a decision to make at right-back with the United boss flitting between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot in recent weeks. The Red Devils may also have to consider the busy fixture schedule, with a trip to Sevilla on Thursday and next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion.
With that in mind, here’s how the team might line up this weekend…
1. GK: David De Gea
Played well again in midweek but has kept just one clean sheet in his last five away league matches.
2. RB: Diogo Dalot
Ten Hag might decide to rotate at right-back and bring Dalot in to replace Wan-Bissaka.
3. CB: Harry Maguire
Played well against Sevilla even though he scored a late own-goal. He is expected to skipper the side.
4. CB: Victor Lindelof
Will probably be handed a rare start with Varane and Martinez out.