Hannibal Mejbri will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Manchester United will look for their first win in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League when they welcome Galatasaray to Old Trafford on Tuesday night. And Erik ten Hag does not have any new concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The Dutchman still has to contend with a lengthy injury list, with Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle injury), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Sergio Reguilon (knock), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), and Amad Diallo (knee) still in the treatment room.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho’s spell on the sidelines continues, with the Englishman yet to make amends with ten Hag. But Antony might be in contention to feature after resuming training last week. And ten Hag discussed the Brazilian’s availability during his pre-match press conference.
He said, “Antony will be in consideration. Yesterday was his first time in team training. We have a final training [session] and then we’ll make a decision. But he will be in consideration, yeah. I think the team news is probably [just that] Antony dos Santos can return.”
Meanwhile, the Dutch tactician revealed that Lisandro Martinez would soon undergo surgery on his injured foot. He said, “I can confirm, yeah. Licha Martinez will have to undergo surgery. That’s really sad, disappointing news. He has to go through the same process and I’m really sorry for him.”
“The squad will miss him. As you know, we have more injuries, so we always have to deal with it as a squad. As a club, we have to deal with injuries. He has to be strong. He will fight back, I’m sure. He is a character. There is still a long season ahead and he will be fit. We have to do our job, to get ourselves in the right position, so he can contribute, and add quality, when he returns.”
Martinez’s continued absence means Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane will continue as the centre-backs. Diogo Dalot is the only fit full-back and will continue on the right flank, while Sofyan Amrabat will feature as a makeshift left-back. Meanwhile, Andre Onana will retain his spot between the sticks, with Altay Bayindir still waiting for his debut.
As for the midfield unit, Hannibal Mejbri should return to the starting lineup to add steel to the team. The Tunisian international will accompany Casemiro in the double pivot, with Mason Mount moving into the final third.
Mount and Bruno Fernandes will interchange positions on the right flank and central areas. Finally, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund will retain their spots in the final third. So, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, and Anthony Martial will find themselves on the bench against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mejbri; Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
