Scott McTominay and Daniel James are in line to return, but Anthony Martial could miss out again when Manchester United face Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester United will be desperate to bridge the ever-opening gap to Manchester City when they lock horns with the Premier League leaders at the Etihad on Sunday. And, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer does not have any major changes on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The likes of Phil Jones, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba are certainties to miss out due to their respective injuries. In addition, David de Gea is likely to remain unavailable owing to the birth of his child, while Donny van de Beek is a major doubt due to a minor injury.
Speaking to the Manchester United media, Solskjaer provided an update on his squad ahead of the trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City, saying, “We’re still hoping to get one or two back of course. We can’t promise any of them being available that weren’t available in the last game against Palace. So we’ll go with the same squad if not.”
The one or two players Solskjaer alluded to are Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial, although both of the players are likely to be on the bench at best. In Lindelof’s stead, Eric Bailly should continue at the heart of the Manchester United defence alongside captain Harry Maguire, while Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be the two full-backs.
In de Gea’s continued absence, Dean Henderson will get another chance to impress, following a top-class display against Crystal Palace earlier this week. Meanwhile, in midfield, Scott McTominay will replace Nemanja Matic, with the Scottish international reuniting with Fred in the double pivot. Matic will be the only backup midfield option.
Finally, in attack, Edinson Cavani ought to lead the line for Manchester United against Manchester City, with Martial being an option on the bench. Accompanying Martial in the list of substitutes will be Mason Greenwood, who is expected to make way for Daniel James on the right-wing. On the left flank, Marcus Rashford picks himself, while Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role.
Manchester United Predicted XI: Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; James, Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani