Erik ten Hag Faces Key Player Absences Ahead of Man United’s Clash with Liverpool
As Manchester United prepares for their highly anticipated match against Liverpool, manager Erik ten Hag may have to contend with several key player absences. This comes as two more players were ruled out due to illness following their recent game against Bayern Munich.
Missing Captain Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United will be without their captain, Bruno Fernandes, as he serves a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards. While there may be debates about Fernandes’ impact on the team, his absence could be felt, especially considering his poor performance in last season’s 7-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Injury and Illness Concerns
Ten Hag’s options have been limited due to injuries and illnesses within the squad. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, both suffering from illness, will miss the crucial Champions League group tie against Bayern Munich. Their availability for the Liverpool match remains uncertain. Additionally, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro are doubtful for the upcoming fixtures. Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho are also sidelined.
Impact on Team Composition
The absence of several key players has forced Ten Hag to make adjustments to the team. In their recent 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth, Luke Shaw partnered with Harry Maguire at center-back, while Raphael Varane was left out of the squad entirely. With limited options in central midfield, Scott McTominay is likely to be pushed forward to compensate for Fernandes’ suspension. The pressure will also be on 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund, who has been in good form in the Champions League but is yet to score in the league.
Recovery and Form
The recovery of Martial and Rashford will be crucial for Manchester United’s chances against Liverpool. The team’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last four games and four wins in their last 10 matches. The outcome of their match against Bayern Munich will also impact their performance against Liverpool.
As the highly anticipated clash between Manchester United and Liverpool approaches, Erik ten Hag faces the challenge of managing a squad with key player absences. The team’s performance will heavily rely on the recovery of injured players and their ability to bounce back from recent defeats.
Possible Man United XI vs. Liverpool: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; Mainoo, Amrabat; Antony, McTominay, Garnacho; Hojlund