Raphael Varane and Mason Mount are in contention to feature for Manchester United against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Manchester United will be desperate for three points when they lock horns with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday night. And Erik ten Hag has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, and Sofyan Amrabat have trained this week. The trio will be in contention to feature against Burnley, with Amrabat in line for his debut. In addition, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo hope to be available for selection soon.
But Luke Shaw (muscle injury), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), and Amad Diallo (knee) are still on the sidelines. In addition, Jadon Sancho and Antony are unavailable for the foreseeable future due to their respective off-field issues.
Erik ten Hag discussed the possible availability of several players during his pre-match press conference. But he did not give much away to the journalists, as was the case earlier this week ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
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He said, “Maybe, as you say, Harry Maguire. We will see better after training [on Friday afternoon]. But Varane will train and we will see. Amrabat, he will train and we will see. Mount, as well, but they all didn’t play for a short or longer term. Varane, obviously, was the shortest [time] out.”
With games coming thick and fast, ten Hag will unlikely bring the players back into the starting lineup unless they are fully fit. So Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez will form the central defensive partnership again. Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon are the only fit full-backs and pick themselves.
Andre Onana was in the line of fire from fans and pundits alike after a few howlers against Bayern Munich. But the Cameroonian goalkeeper remains the first-choice goalkeeper and will retain his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen should pair up in the double pivot again after an uninspiring cameo by Scott McTominay against Bayern Munich. But McTominay, Mason Mount, and Sofyan Amrabat will be options off the bench.
Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford taking his place on the left flank. Facundo Pellistri might get a long rope on the right wing. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line for Manchester United against Burnley, with Anthony Martial finding himself on the bench again.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen; Pellistri, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund