Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Manchester United could line up for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has received a major double injury boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Seeking an immediate response to Monday’s 4-0 hammering at the hands of Crystal Palace, the Red Devils have seen both Marcus Rashford (ankle) and Lisandro Martinez (calf) return to full training this week.
There is also optimism that Bruno Fernandes (wrist) and Scott McTominay (knee) will be back from their own afflictions in time for Sunday, but Tyrell Malacia (knee), Willy Kambwala (unspecified), Victor Lindelof (thigh), Raphael Varane (muscle), Harry Maguire (muscle) and Luke Shaw (thigh) are still missing.
Despite Martinez’s return to practice, his two-month absence makes it difficult to envisage Ten Hag throwing him back into the deep end on Sunday, especially with the FA Cup final to also take into consideration.
As a result, Jonny Evans and Casemiro – who endured a horror show on Monday night – may form an unchanged shield in front of Andre Onana, who will also be protected by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot.
A fit-again McTominay can be expected to beat Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat to the second midfield spot alongside Kobbie Mainoo, while Mason Mount will almost certainly drop out for Fernandes if the Red Devils’ skipper makes an expected comeback.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund‘s places in attack are not up for debate, but Antony is at risk of the axe if Rashford – whose 10 goal contributions against Arsenal makes the Gunners his favourite opponent – is given the green light to return.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
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