Aaron Wan-Bissaka will start, while Anthony Martial is close to returning ahead of the game between Manchester United and Southampton on Sunday.
Manchester United will look to exorcise the demons of the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend when they welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag does not have any new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Christian Eriksen (ankle) and Donny van de Beek (knee) remain long-term absentees for the hosts. But Anthony Martial has resumed training and might be in contention to take on Southampton. In addition, Marcel Sabitzer might be available after missing the midweek fixture against Real Betis with a knock.
During his pre-match press conference, ten Hag fielded questions on Martial’s fitness. The Dutch tactician revealed that the Frenchman is on his way back to action but added that he would be cautious with the player. In addition, ten Hag suggested that Eriksen should be available to play again before the season ends.
He said, “Yeah, but I think, all the time, we had a good plan and until now it [didn’t] always [work well]. But he is on his way back, he is back in training, but we will be cautious, yeah. I think he [Eriksen] will play [again in 2022/23].”
“Definitely. But I can’t tell now an expectation, but I think his progress in the rehab is okay. It is going according to plan, so definitely we will see him. But not before the international break. Yes, he is [still part of the group]. But of course, his main focus is, in this moment, to get back as soon as possible because we need all the players.”
Martial might make the matchday squad, but he will unlikely be fit enough to start on Sunday. So Wout Weghorst should be the central striker again, with Bruno Fernandes reprising the no. 10 role behind him. And Marcus Rashford and Antony will continue as the two wide attackers. That leaves Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho as options on the bench again.
As for the midfield unit, with Sabitzer unlikely to be fit to start, ten Hag will not tinker with his options. So Casemiro and Fred should pair up in the double pivot in the middle of the park. And Scott McTominay will be among the backup options.
Meanwhile, the only change in the starting lineup will likely come in the right-back berth. With Diogo Dalot blowing hot and cold, Aaron Wan-Bissaka should have a cast to start. But Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Raphael Varane pick themselves. Finally, there is no looking past David de Gea between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
