Marcus Rashford will serve a suspension when Galatasaray and Manchester United lock horns at RAMS Park on Wednesday.
Manchester United will aim to claim second spot in the UEFA Champions League Group A when they take on Galatasaray at RAMS Park on Wednesday evening. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marcus Rashford is unavailable as he will serve a suspension after seeing red against Copenhagen. The English international has joined Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Jonny Evans (knock), Casemiro (hamstring), Mason Mount (calf), Christian Eriksen (knee), and Amad Diallo (knee) on the sidelines.
But there is some good news, as Antony and Rasmus Hojlund are back after recovering from their respective issues. The duo is in the travelling squad to take on Galatasaray this midweek. But Jadon Sancho remains unavailable due to his exile after a bust-up with the Manchester United boss.
Speaking of ten Hag, the Dutchman did not provide much fitness update during his pre-match press conference. While he confirmed Antony and Hojlund’s availability, he mainly focused on Kobbie Mainoo and his impact.
He said, “We don’t have fear. If players are good enough, then they are old enough.” The Dutch tactician then added, “We are very pleased with the performance [at Everton], but it’s one performance and you have to do it on a consistent base. Kobbie is so mature, [but] you are only good as your last game.”
Mainoo should feature in the midfield unit again, joining Scott McTominay in the double pivot. So, Sofyan Amrabat will find himself on the bench again, with Hannibal Mejbri being another midfield option among the substitutes.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Galatasaray, with Andre Onana taking his spot between the sticks. The defensive unit should feature Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw.
Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, while Rasmus Hojlund will replace Anthony Martial as the central striker. Alejandro Garnacho will continue on the left flank after his wonder goal against Everton. Finally, the returning Antony will replace the suspended Rashford on the right wing, meaning Facundo Pellistri and Martial will be options on the bench.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Mainoo; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
