Man Utd team news: Erik ten Hag confirms injured duo will return v Galatasaray but nine players se to miss out

Antony and Rasmus Hojlund will travel to Turkey, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.Antony and Rasmus Hojlund will travel to Turkey, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
Antony and Rasmus Hojlund will travel to Turkey, Erik ten Hag has confirmed. | Getty Images
The Manchester United manager was also asked if Kobbie Mainoo could start in Turkey.

Erik ten Hag has given a team and injury news update ahead of Manchester United's Champions League encounter against Galatasaray.

The Red Devils head to Turkey for a must-win European encounter having picked up just three points from their opening four group-games this season. If United have any realistic hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, a win in Istanbul is almost definitely a requirement.

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And United received a injury boost on Tuesday morning when Antony and Rasmus Hojlund both returned to training having missed the weekend victory over Everton. The former picked up a minor knock before the trip to Goodison Park, while Hojlund hasn't played since the 1-0 win over Luton Town on 11 November.

But speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag confirmed that the pair are available for the Galatasaray clash and said they will travel with the squad, although didn't clarify if either is fit to start. Antony and Hojlund's potential involvement is significant given Marcus Rashford misses the game due to suspension, after he was sent off against Copenhagen last time out.

Kobbie Mainoo made his first senior start on Sunday and played a starring role in the win over Everton. Ten Hag was asked in his pre-match press conference if he has any concern about throwing an inexperienced player into such hostile atmosphere on Wednesday. "No, we don’t have that. If players are good enough, they are old enough," he replied.

"I think we are very pleased with the performance [against Everton] but is one and you have to do it on consistent basis," he added. "Kobbie is so mature we are confident."

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Elsewhere, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Amad will all miss the Champions League clash due to injury, while Jadon Sancho remains frozen out by Ten Hag.

The United boss also called for his players to remain calm at Rams Park, on what could be a dauting stage to perform on. "You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional and control emotion, don’t give them anything, the referee as well, don’t give them a moment they can take.

"So you have to stay away from such moments. You have to make it your game, it is not that important how the opponent is playing, it is how you are playing. We will make a good plan and the players they have to decide."

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