Erik ten Hag provided an update on Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes ahead of the game between Manchester United and Manchester City at the Etihad.
Manchester United will be eager to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they lock horns with Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday evening. And Erik ten Hag does not have any new issues to deal with ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes picked up knocks in the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Nottingham Forest earlier this week. But the Dutchman has confirmed that the duo will be fit to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
But Harry Maguire will not have shrugged off his knock to return to action this weekend. The English international defender accompanies Luke Shaw (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (knee), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (unspecified), Mason Mount (calf), Anthony Martial (groin), and Rasmus Hojlund (muscle injury) on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag discussed the availability of Varane and Fernandes during his pre-match press conference. The Manchester United boss said, “They fought to be part [of it] and they came well out of the game. I think they will be available for Sunday as well. And for the rest, I don’t think players will return for Sunday, so we do it with the squad from yesterday.”
So, Raphael Varane will retain his place in the central defensive partnership, where he will accompany Victor Lindelof. Sofyan Amrabat will feature as the left-back, with Diogo Dalot starting on the right flank. Meanwhile, Andre Onana will take his usual spot between the sticks for the away side, who will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him.
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 Alejandro Garnacho and Antony being the two wide attackers. Finally, Marcus Rashford will lead the line for Manchester United against Manchester City.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Lindelof, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
