Antony and Harry Maguire will return when Manchester United and Nottingham Forest face off at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Manchester United will have the chance to close the gap to the top four when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford on Tuesday night. And Erik ten Hag has a few more resources available ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Harry Maguire is available after recovering from an illness that forced him to miss the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Burnley. The Manchester United captain should return to the starting lineup versus Nottingham Forest. Erik ten Hag spoke about Maguire and the returning players after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester United boss said in an interview with club media, “We had some problems with illness like Harry Maguire, but he was back on the training pitch today so I’m happy with that. The feeling is good. The players from the World Cup are back, are integrated again and you feel they are excited.”
“[They had] massive impressions there [in Qatar], but now they are back, and you feel their energy. They are looking forward to the restart [of the Premier League]. Returning from Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez, they are not there [back at United] but we hope on their comeback [soon].”
With Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez still unavailable, Maguire and Victor Lindelof will form the central defensive partnership. Luke Shaw should return to the starting lineup at Tyrell Malacia’s expense. But Aaron Wan-Bissaka will make his first Premier League start of the season, with Diogo Dalot on the sidelines.
David de Gea will resume his duties between the sticks after Martin Dubravka featured as the goalkeeper against Burnley. As for the midfield unit, Casemiro will return to the double pivot after playing as a centre-back earlier this week. The Brazilian international will line up alongside Christian Eriksen in the middle of the park.
Bruno Fernandes will relinquish the captain’s armband to Maguire but will continue as the no. 10. Marcus Rashford and Antony should flank the Portuguese international. So Alejandro Garnacho should drop to the bench as ten Hag continues to ease him in as a regular. Finally, Anthony Martial should spearhead the attack.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
