Bruno Fernandes will return to the Manchester United starting lineup against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United will be desperate to return to winning ways when they lock horns with West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday evening. And Erik ten Hag has greeted a mixed bag of updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Bruno Fernandes is available after serving a suspension last weekend. But Diogo Dalot will be unavailable to take on West Ham after seeing red in a bizarre decision by Michael Oliver against Liverpool. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof will be out for a month after undergoing surgery on a troublesome groin.
The duo has joined Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Harry Maguire (groin), Casemiro (hamstring), Mason Mount (calf), and Amad Diallo (knee) on the sidelines. In addition, Jadon Sancho’s exile is no closer to ending amid his ongoing tiff with ten Hag.
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen has resumed training after recovering from a knee injury, although Saturday’s game might have come too soon for him. Erik ten Hag provided a team news update during his pre-match press conference.
He said, “We have some doubts, we have some illnesses during the week, so we have to see who is available for tomorrow. Hopefully, they are recovered but we have to see. They [Martinez and Casemiro] are not available before Christmas.”
“Mid-January, we expect them back. Mason Mount is similar, into January. Harry Maguire, I expect him early on [in the new year]. Victor Lindelof is not available. He has done surgery so he will be out for a couple of weeks.”
With Casemiro still unavailable, Kobbie Mainoo will get another chance to impress at the base of the Manchester United midfield. Mainoo will accompany Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park, with the latter duo essaying advanced roles in the final third.
Alejandro Garnacho and Antony produced spirited performances against Liverpool last weekend. The duo should continue on the flanks, meaning Marcus Rashford will remain on the bench. Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the Manchester United attack against West Ham on Saturday.
As for the defensive unit, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will replace the suspended Dalot. But there should be no other changes to the backline, with Wan-Bissaka joining Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw. Finally, Andre Onana will take his usual spot between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Shaw; Mainoo; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, McTominay, Garnacho; Hojlund
