Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will return to the starting lineup when Manchester United and Everton face off on Sunday.
Manchester United will hope to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they lock horns with Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday evening. And Erik ten Hag has a few pressing injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek remain on the sidelines due to their respective issues. In addition, ten Hag is sweating over the fitness of Raphael Varane, who picked up a fitness concern last weekend against Manchester City. Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe are long-term absentees.
During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag did not reveal much about Varane. But the Manchester United manager did confirm that the Frenchman has made progress on his fitness. He also spoke about van de Beek’s injury.
The Manchester United boss said, “It’s difficult to say. Raphael Varane makes progress, and I hope he’s available, but I think it will be close. From the other players, Harry Maguire [is] not [available] and then it’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek, both not [fit].”
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“He had a muscle injury and so it takes him a couple of weeks. He’s back on the training grass so he’s outside, doing his work, but still individual. He’s not returned to team training so we have to wait for that moment.”
Judging by ten Hag’s comments, Varane might be fit enough to feature in a crucial game against Everton. The Frenchman will pair up with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
Diogo Dalot should continue as the right-back, but Luke Shaw should replace Tyrell Malacia on the left flank. Behind the backline, David de Gea remains the first-choice goalkeeper for the Red Devils on Sunday.
Up ahead in midfield, Casemiro might have done enough to earn his first Premier League start for Manchester United. The Brazilian international will likely pair up with Christian Eriksen in the double pivot. Scott McTominay and Fred will be backup options on the bench.
As for the offensive unit, Anthony Martial will finally make his first start of the 2022/23 season, taking Cristiano Ronaldo’s spot up front. Marcus Rashford should also return to the starting lineup, with Jadon Sancho making way. Finally, Bruno Fernandes and Antony will retain their spots in the final third.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
