Bruno Fernandes will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Manchester United will aim to avoid a record tenth home defeat of the 2023/24 season when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Wednesday night. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a mixed bag of team updates ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The good news is Lisandro Martinez is in contention to feature after stepping up his recovery in the last few days. In addition, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are close to returning to action. However, Amad Diallo picked up a knock this past weekend against Arsenal and will not take on Newcastle United.
The Ivory Coast international has joined Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, and Anthony Martial on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag provided a fitness update on several players during his pre-match press conference.
Responding to a question on potentially expecting any players to return on Wednesday, the Manchester United manager said, “Very good question. Licha Martinez, I think he will return in the squad. He has now [had] some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available.”
“This afternoon, [if] everything goes right in the training, he will return in the squad. For some other players, we have to see. Rashford, Bruno, Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough. We plan [for] him [Varane], definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game [the Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City].”
Willy Kambwala should return to the starting lineup, pairing up with Jonny Evans at the heart of the Manchester United defence. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot will complete the backline for the home side, with Andre Onana taking his usual spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro should return to his primary role, pairing up with Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot. Bruno Fernandes will likely reprise the no. 10 role, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony being the wide attackers. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line for the home side against Newcastle United.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Kambwala, Evans, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
