Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Sheffield United on Saturday.
Manchester United will be eager to build a winning run when they lock horns with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday night. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Casemiro is the latest absentee, with the Brazilian international picking up an ankle injury while on international duty with the Selecao. The experienced midfielder accompanies Luke Shaw (muscle injury), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), and Amad Diallo (knee) on the sidelines.
But there are some positive updates, with Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, and Kobbie Mainoo resuming training. Varane and Reguilon should be available to take on Sheffield United, with Mainoo close to returning. Meanwhile, ten Hag provided a fitness update on several players in an interview with MUTV.
He said, “Rapha Varane is back, so I think, especially in the backline, I’m very happy with Rapha back and Sergio back. That’s very good news, of course. It’s disappointing that Casemiro picked up an injury but it’s not too bad. I’m sure and confident he will be back for the next games, so very short notice. The good thing is also that Sofyan Amrabat is available.”
Meanwhile, the Dutchman spoke about Shaw and Wan-Bissaka during his pre-match press conference. He said, “Of course, they are closer [to a comeback]. But so, for instance, Luke Shaw, I don’t expect him back in this block of games. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, I don’t think he’s too far away from returning into team training and so back in the team.”
With Shaw and Wan-Bissaka still unavailable, Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon are automatic picks for the full-back spots. Meanwhile, the fit-again Varane should accompany Victor Lindelof in the central defensive unit, with the Swede comfortable to feature after a horrible incident involving two of his compatriots during the international break.
The defensive quartet will cover the under-fire Andre Onana, who will take his spot between the sticks. As for the midfield unit, Scott McTominay, who scored a match-winning brace against Brentford, will return to the starting lineup. McTominay will replace Casemiro in the team, joining Sofyan Amrabat in the middle of the park.
Finally, the attack will not see a change, with Rasmus Hojlund spearheading the attack against Sheffield United. Marcus Rashford will retain his spot on the left flank, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount completing the numbers. So, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho will find themselves on the bench.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Reguilon; Amrabat, McTominay; Fernandes, Mount, Rashford; Hojlund
