Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will return when Manchester United take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday.
Manchester United will aim to consolidate their place in the top four when they lock horns with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Thursday evening. And Erik ten Hag does not have any new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Tom Heaton (ankle), Phil Jones (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Raphael Varane (ankle), Scott McTominay (knock), Donny van de Beek (knee), and Alejandro Garnacho (ankle) remain on the sidelines. But Garnacho is closing in on returning to action after resuming training in the last few days.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire’s absence remains a mystery, with ten Hag yet to specify the reason he is sidelined. As for the pre-match press conference, ten Hag discussed the potential return of Garnacho. But the Dutch tactician ruled the teenage sensation out of the game against Brighton. He also spoke about Varane and McTominay, with the duo on their recovery path.
He said, “I think we have one training [session], but I think it’s too soon to be available. I think he is short [of full fitness]. I think he needs some training and then, in short notice, he will be available.”
Ten Hag then continued, “The prognosis, I think Rapha is closer than Scott McTominay in this moment. But still they are, for the coming two games [Brighton and West Ham], they are not available.”
Maguire’s continued absence means Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof will form the central defensive partnership. Tyrell Malacia will continue as the left-back, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka will replace Diogo Dalot on the right flank. Behind the backline, David de Gea picks himself between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro picks himself as the defensive midfielder. Christian Eriksen will pair up with the Brazilian international in the double pivot. But the Danish playmaker will often charge forward to create a 4-1-4-1 formation in the offensive phase.
Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes will retain their spots in the final third, but Marcus Rashford will move to the left flank. That is because Anthony Martial will spearhead the Manchester United attack against Brighton. Jadon Sancho and Antony will thus be options on the bench for ten Hag’s consideration.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Bruno Fernandes, Sabitzer, Rashford; Martial
