Omonia vs Man Utd: four players out injured as Erik ten Hag chooses ‘best team’

The Red Devils boss spoke to the media ahead of the club’s Europa League clash against Omonia on Thursday.
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Erik ten Hag has confirmed Manchester United will be without four first team players for their Europa League Group E clash with Omonia on Thursday.

The Red Devils will travel to Cyprus on Wednesday afternoon, but will be without Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek for the trip.

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Maguire suffered an injury on international duty with England, while Varane was forced off during United’s 6-3 derby day defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

As for Wan-Bissaka and Van de Beek, the pair remain unavailable for injuries they sustained before the international break.

Varane was forced off with an injury during the Manchester derby. Credit: Getty. Varane was forced off with an injury during the Manchester derby. Credit: Getty.
Varane was forced off with an injury during the Manchester derby. Credit: Getty.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Ten Hag revealed the quartet won’t feature against Omonia, saying: “Not available for tomorrow.

“In the case of Raphael, I have good hope [that he will be back soon], Harry will take a little bit longer and the other two I cannot give [an update]."

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The Red Devils have a busy schedule consisting of 12 games (including Omonia) before the season has another break in November for the World Cup.

It’s expected Ten Hag will rotate his squad in order to avoid injuries and deal with the heavy fixture calendar on Thursday, however, the Dutchman is adamant he will pick his ‘best’ team against Omonia.

"We will play tomorrow our best team,” he said. “We have to construct a team because we want a competitive culture.”

Casemiro didn’t start United’s derby day defeat to City with Scott McTominay playing in a holding-midfield role.

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Red Devils supporters want to see the Brazilian start over the academy graduate, but does Ten Hag share the same view?

Erik ten Hag opted not to start Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo against Manchester City.Erik ten Hag opted not to start Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo against Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag opted not to start Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo against Manchester City.

“It [Casemiro not starting] had nothing to do with Casemiro, it had all to do with Scott [McTominay],” he said. “When he wasn’t in the team at Brentford, we lost."

Despite Casemiro’s lack of starts for United, Ten Hag insists he has an important role to play for the club.

"Casemiro has an important role, we know his background, the titles he’s won, you see every day in training.,” Ten Hag said.

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