Lisandro Martinez’s replacement will be the hot topic for Erik ten Hag when Manchester United take on Aston Villa on Sunday.
Manchester United will look to continue their recent winning run when they lock horns with Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday evening. And Erik ten Hag has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Lisandro Martinez has picked up a knee injury last weekend against West Ham United. The Argentine international has joined Tyrell Malacia (knee), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (knock), Mason Mount (calf), and Anthony Martial (groin) on the sidelines.
Erik ten Hag discussed Martinez’s issue during his conversation with the Manchester United media. He also spoke about Wan-Bissaka and Mount in this interview, revealing the fitness updates on the duo.
He said, “It is a setback, of course. Licha was just returning. You see his contribution to the team when he is playing, so he brings, apart from his technical skills, also a mentality in the team. It is a big setback for Licha, he is very disappointed, but he is a fighter and he will be back, he will be back stronger.”
“We think he will still be back by the end of the season. There are games to play so, as a squad, we have to replace him. We have very good players in that position who will play there and perform there and, as a squad, we have to deal with it.”
On Wan-Bissaka and Mount, the Manchester United boss said, “Aaron Wan-Bissaka, today, was training but then he dropped out. So I don’t know, in this moment, where he is and what is the diagnosis. Hopefully, he is not too bad. And Mason and Ty are not ready to return to the squad.”
With Wan-Bissaka and Malacia still unavailable, the defensive quartet of Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire picks itself, with Varane replacing the injured Martinez. The backline will protect Andre Onana.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in the double pivot. Bruno Fernandes will reprise his usual no. 10 role, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho continuing as the two wide attackers. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will spearhead the Manchester United attack against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
