The Red Devils have been boosted by the news that summer signing Leny Yoro has returned to training and has advanced to the ‘next phase’ of his recovery from a fractured metatarsal. However, the teenager is not expected to make his first-team comeback until the end of next month.
Erik ten Hag is also having to cope without Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire (both muscle), Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Mason Mount (knock) and Toby Collyer (unspecified) due to injury, while Casemiro will be assessed after coming off in Man United’s 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend with an apparent calf issue.
Another first-team player who will not be available for selection on Thursday is captain Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the 3-3 draw with Porto three weeks ago.
Christian Eriksen could be tasked with operating in the number 10 role in the absence of Fernandes, with either Rasmus Hojlund – who scored the match-winner against Brentford – or Joshua Zirkzee set to start as the central striker.
Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford both impressed on the flanks against Brentford and could retain their places in the first XI, although Ten Hag will consider rotating his team and may hand starts to either Amad Diallo or Antony.
Manuel Ugarte watched on as an unused substitute against Brentford after recovering from an injury picked up on international duty with Uruguay and the midfielder could be ready to start on Thursday.
Noussair Mazraoui is in contention to return at right-back, which could therefore see Diogo Dalot move over to left-back, while Lisandro Martinez could partner either Matthijs de Ligt or Jonny Evans in central defence.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro; Garnacho, Eriksen, Rashford; Hojlund
Leave a Reply