Anthony Martial will replace Jadon Sancho when Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United will look to return to winning ways when they welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has several pressing injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The Dutch tactician continues to sweat over the fitness of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay. And the duo will likely remain unavailable for the weekend clash. In addition, Tom Heaton, Phil Jones, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Donny van de Beek are still on the sidelines.
But there is some good news, as Alejandro Garnacho has resumed training after recovering from an ankle injury. And ten Hag spoke about the teenage prodigy during his pre-match press conference, suggesting the game has come too soon for him.
He said, “Yes [Garnacho is closer to being back]. He will return tomorrow [Friday] in the team training part and then we have to see when he can return totally in the team training and then back into games.”
With Garnacho still unavailable, Marcus Rashford picks himself on the left flank. That also means that Jadon Sancho will drop to the bench, with Anthony Martial returning to the starting lineup. The Frenchman will spearhead the Manchester United attacker, with Antony featuring on the right wing.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes came through unscathed from the Tottenham game. And the Portuguese international will again reprise his usual no. 10 role while donning the captain’s armband. As for the double pivot, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro should pair up again, despite the latter’s sub-par form.
But Casemiro needs to step up after proving to be inconsistent since returning from suspension. Meanwhile, Marcel Sabitzer and Fred will be backup midfield options on the bench, where they will accompany Sancho.
Finally, the defensive unit will likely remain unchanged amid concerns surrounding Harry Maguire. So Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw will form the central defensive partnership. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue as the full-back, with David de Gea taking his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Bruno, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
