Why Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are missing for Manchester United as ace starts first game in 887 days

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are both missing Manchester United's clash with Arsenal due to injury having also missed the defeat to Crystal Palace earlier in the week.

Erik ten Hag has made three changes from the squad that were thrashed 4-0 by Palace earlier in the week with Amad, Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat starting in place of Antony, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount. Ivorian winger Amad is starting his first United match in 887 days.

It means Casemiro and Jonny Evans keep their place in central defence, with the duo knowing they will need a much better performance than the one they produced at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

There were a few notable absences, with Fernandes and Rashford both missing out through injury once again, while Mikel Arteta had the luxury of naming an unnamed side for the match.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “First of all, Arsenal are very strong in possession so we need players in the middle of the park that can win battles. In the last moment Bruno couldn't make it so we brought [Amad] into the team. He deserves a chance and he can show it. The last days we trained with Rashy... Bruno trained for two days, but he was not far enough to recover from his injuries.”

Fernandes had never missed a club match due to injury prior to this week but has now sat out subsequent matches because of an unspecified injury. Rashford has not been seen since he limped off in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry City.

United did at least have one minor injury boost for the match with young defender Willy Kambwala back on the bench having missed the last four matches due to his own fitness issue.

United XI vs Arsenal: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Amrabat, McTominay; Amad, Garnacho, Hojlund Subs: Bayındır, Amass, Kambwala, Ogunneye, Collyer, Eriksen, Forson, Antony, Wheatley.