Lisandro Martinez is fit and available to start for Manchester United against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United will be eager to build on the recent unbeaten run when they welcome West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. And Erik ten Hag has greeted positive updates ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The best news is the availability of Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentine international fit and available to take on West Ham United. And ten Hag provided an update on Martinez during his pre-match press conference.
The Manchester United boss said, “It was a precaution. I took him off because, actually I had to sub Rasmus [Hojlund] because he was dead with all his running! But then we needed an extra header but, also for Licha, I think he is a long way out. We brought Harry on for [an] extra header and Omari Forson for Rasmus.”
Sofyan Amrabat will return to the matchday squad on Sunday, while Victor Lindelof is closing in on returning to action. But Aaron Wan-Bissaka (knock), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Mason Mount (calf), and Anthony Martial (groin) remain on the sidelines.
Erik ten Hag provided a more general team news update during his presser. He said, “Sofyan will return on Saturday in the training. Ty [Tyrell Malacia] and Mason Mount, I don’t expect them back, but Victor Lindelof, I think he is on his way back. He trained with the team on Wednesday and we have to see how far he is [along].”
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also on the way back. He could be available but I don’t think he will make it for Sunday. But I’m not sure at this moment. There is a problem in his leg. I think he [Mount] is struggling from the second game of the season. And then he returns for a period and picked up another injury. So, of course, that’s not great.”
While Mount remains unavailable, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo should pair up in the double pivot in the middle of the park. Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho being the two wide attackers. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the Manchester United attack against West Ham.
As for the defensive unit, Lisandro Martinez will retain his spot, with Raphael Varane being his central defensive partner. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot will continue as the full-backs, with Andre Onana taking his spot between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
