Marcus Rashford will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United will aim to take a step towards sealing a top-four finish when they lock horns with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Scott McTominay is fit and available after recovering from a knock that kept him on the sidelines for several weeks. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has trained for a few days and was going to be ready to take on Bournemouth. But a bout of illness has left the Englishman in doubt for this weekend.
Phil Jones, who will leave Manchester United as a free agent in the summer transfer window, remains on the sidelines. And the experienced defender accompanies Tom Heaton (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Marcel Sabitzer (knee), and Donny van de Beek (knee) on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag spoke about Rashford during his pre-match press conference, suggesting the Englishman might not make it to the team due to his illness. He also discussed the availability of Raphael Varane and McTominay.
The Dutchman said, “Rashy, he trained the whole week but today he reported he doesn’t feel well so he’s ill. We have to see how he recovers during the day and then see tomorrow. It’s positive on Varane, [he’s] definitely available. Scott [is] joining in training, I think if the final training goes well he’ll be in.”
Erik ten Hag also discussed the career of Jones during the presser. He said, “I think he has [had] a great career, what he achieved. Winning the Premier League, winning the FA Cup, winning the Europa League, being present at two World Cups… he has had a massive career at Man United. All the credit to him for his career.”
Jones will not play again for Manchester United, but Varane and Victor Lindelof will form the central defensive partnership. And Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw should continue as the two full-backs, with David de Gea taking his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are automatic picks in the double pivot. And Bruno Fernandes should reprise his usual no. 10 role. So McTominay and Fred will find themselves on the bench on Saturday.
Finally, Rashford should return to the starting lineup despite the doubts surrounding him. Jadon Sancho will drop to the bench, meaning Rashford will start on the left flank. And Anthony Martial will spearhead the Manchester United attack against Bournemouth, with Antony lining up on the right wing.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
