Marcus Rashford will replace Alejandro Garnacho when Manchester United and Bournemouth lock horns at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Manchester United will look to kick-start a winning run when they welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Raphael Varane is fit and available after recovering from a minor knock. But Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Casemiro (hamstring), Christian Eriksen (knee), and Amad Diallo (knee) remain on the sidelines. In addition, Jadon Sancho is unavailable due to off-field issues.
Erik ten Hag did not reveal much on the fitness front during his pre-match press conference. He said, “As a manager, with my coaches, with the rest of the staff, of course you always have considerations.”
“We take everything into account. But, as you say, the next game is always the most important and especially in the Premier League when everyone is killing everyone. You need a very strong team.”
Despite Varane’s effort to regain his fitness, the Frenchman will not feature amid speculation surrounding his future. Jonny Evans should come into the starting lineup, joining Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot should be the two full-backs, with Andre Onana taking his spot between the sticks.
As for the midfield unit, Kobbie Mainoo should return as the sole holding midfielder despite Sofyan Amrabat’s impressive performance against Chelsea. Mainoo will sit in front of the defensive quartet, looking to keep things tight in the middle of the park.
Manchester United will line up in the 4-1-4-1 formation that worked so well against Chelsea. The system will employ two no. 8s, with Scott McTominay reprising an advanced role. McTominay will join Bruno Fernandes in the final third, with the Portuguese international looking to pull the strings.
The offensive unit should see one change, with the under-fire Marcus Rashford replacing Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank. Antony will retain his spot on the right wing, with Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri being options on the bench. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the attack against Bournemouth.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Shaw; Mainoo; Antony, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
