Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Manchester United will be eager to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Casemiro is the latest absentee, with the Brazilian international sustaining a hamstring injury. The issue will keep the veteran midfielder on the sidelines for “several weeks”. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho’s exile is no closer to ending, with the Englishman refusing to apologise to the manager.
Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), and Amad Diallo (knee) remain unavailable, although Diallo has started light work on the grass. Meanwhile, ten Hag did not provide any fitness updates during his pre-match press conference.
But the Dutch tactician discussed minor issues concerning Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane. On Lindelof, he said, “From illness. We have to see if he is ready for tomorrow.” On Varane, he said, “Varane is ready to play. He will be travelling with the squad.”
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Recent reports have suggested that Varane has been unhappy with something, suggesting some unrest in the team. So, the Frenchman might not start, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans forming the central defensive partnership.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has regained his fitness and should return to the starting lineup as the right-back. Sergio Reguilon will complete the numbers in the defensive unit, with Andre Onana continuing between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Casemiro’s absence means Sofyan Amrabat should be the holding midfielder. The Moroccan international will likely accompany Scott McTominay in the middle of the park, with Bruno Fernandes reprising his usual no. 10 role. Meanwhile, ten Hag spoke about the out-of-form Marcus Rashford during his presser.
He said, “Absolutely. And, also, I am sure that he will be back on track. I see him in training performing so well so I think that before long, he will be back on track. He will make a lot of goals for us and he will be so very important for us. Once we find our rhythm, once the team finds its rhythm, it is also easier for him.”
Rashford will return to the starting lineup by taking his spot on the left flank. Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the Manchester United attack against Fulham, with the Danish striker desperately searching for goals. Finally, Antony will complete the numbers in the offensive unit for the away side.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Reguilon; McTominay, Amrabat; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
