Jadon Sancho will return, but Marcel Sabitzer will not be available for the game between Manchester United and Real Betis on Thursday.
Manchester United will look to bounce back to winning ways when they welcome Real Betis to Old Trafford on Thursday night. And Erik ten Hag has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Victor Lindelof and Casemiro are fit after recovering from minor knocks. But Marcel Sabitzer is not available to take on Real Betis. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial has resumed training this week. So Christian Eriksen (ankle) and Donny van de Beek (knee) are the only long-term absentees for the hosts.
Erik ten Hag revealed the team news update in an interview with the Manchester United media. And the Dutch tactician revealed his satisfaction with his squad’s fitness. He also spoke about Sabitzer and Martial.
The Manchester United boss said, “We have a strong programme. But I think we are quite good. The only disappointment is Marcel Sabitzer is not available, as well as Anthony Martial. Anthony Martial is back on the pitch, so we will see. For the rest, everyone is available and we are ready for the game.”
Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, ten Hag fielded questions on Bruno Fernandes, whose behaviour against Liverpool came under the scanner. But the Dutchman has leapt to the aid of the Portuguese international amid calls for him to be moved away from the leadership group.
He said, “I think he is playing a brilliant season. He [occupies] a really important role, [which is] why we are in the position where we are because he is giving energy to the team. He is not only running a lot and in the highest intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction and he is pointing and coaching players.”
“He is an inspiration for the whole team but no-one is perfect. Everyone has his mistakes and everyone has to learn. I have to learn and he will learn as well because he is intelligent. So I am really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I am really happy that Bruno Fernandes – if Harry is not on the pitch – is our captain.”
Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role on Thursday. And Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho should be the two wide attackers for the hosts. Marcus Rashford will complete the offensive unit, with Wout Weghorst dropping to the bench.
Meanwhile, with Sabitzer unavailable, Casemiro might start again, with Scott McTominay being his partner. That means Fred will drop to the bench. But with Casemiro walking the suspension tightrope, Fred will likely appear off the bench later in the game.
As for the defensive unit, ten Hag might rest a few players. So Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw should drop to the bench. And Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia will replace the duo. Lisandro Martinez should continue in the starting lineup. But Aaron Wan-Bissaka should replace Diogo Dalot. Finally, David de Gea picks himself between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Sabitzer; Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
