Jadon Sancho will return, but Casemiro remains unavailable for Manchester United ahead of the game against Leeds United on Sunday.
Manchester United will be determined to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has several pressing roster issues ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Casemiro is the most notable absentee as he remains suspended due to the straight red card he saw against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian international accompanies Donny van de Beek (knee), Christian Eriksen (ankle), Scott McTominay (knock), Anthony Martial (hip) and Antony (leg) on the sidelines.
In addition, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is recovering from an illness and faces a race against time to be available. And ten Hag spoke about the possibility of Wan-Bissaka being available to take on Leeds during a conversation with the Manchester United media.
The Dutchman said, “I expect this squad is the same [as it was on Wednesday], except I hope Aaron Wan-Bissaka can return. Yesterday (Wednesday) he wasn;t there by illness, so I hope he can return for Sunday.”
During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag responded to questions surrounding Martial, Antony, and McTominay. And the Dutch manager ruled the trio out for the next few games, including the tie with Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League.
He said, “I don’t expect [them to be fit]. We have some days obviously, but I don’t expect it. If I can oversee it from now, I don’t see any new problems coming up. I think same answer [for Europa League availability], I can’t say for 100 percent, but I don’t expect it.”
With Martial still unavailable, Wout Weghorst picks himself as the central striker for the visitors. Marcus Rashford is an automatic selection on the left flank. But Jadon Sancho should replace Alejandro Garnacho to fill Antony’s void on the right wing.
Bruno Fernandes will have Rashford and Sancho flanking him as he reprises the no. 10 role. The Portuguese international will also don the armband for the Red Devils. Meanwhile, the absence of Casemiro and McTominay means Marcel Sabitzer and Fred will form the double pivot in the middle of the park.
The defensive unit should remain unchanged, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez being the centre-backs. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw should continue as the full-backs. And finally, there is no looking past David de Gea between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Sabitzer, Fred; Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
