Erik ten Hag has provided a team news update ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Manchester United welcome the Premier League leaders to M16 for the first of their final trio of fixtures for the 2023/2024 campaign.
There is absolutely zero margin for error for either of the sides, given that Arsenal have to maintain a perfect record and hope that Manchester City slip-up in order to get their hands on the title, while the Reds look to end the term with as much dignity as possible on the back of an 18th defeat in all competitions – their most in a season since 1977/78.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag will, as has been the case for the past nine months, be navigating an injury-plagued squad for the fixture.
He told reporters today that Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford had all returned to training, although it remains to be seen if they’ll be deemed fit enough to feature from the offset on Sunday.
Similarly, Lisandro Martinez was involved in this week’s training sessions at Carrington after his lengthy layoff. However, the manager has revealed that he will not be ready to make the matchday squad against the Gunners.
Ten Hag: 'Yesterday, Licha (Martinez) came to me and wanted to play on Sunday against Arsenal but he's not ready yet, he needa a little bit more time to go through the process. But he is so desperate.' #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 10, 2024
English duo suffer further setbacks
On a lesser positive note, Mason Mount has been ruled out of the contest with yet another injury complaint, and Luke Shaw has also suffered a setback in his recovery.
Ten Hag says Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford have trained but Mason Mount has got injured again and is out for the Arsenal game. Luke Shaw has also suffered a setback. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 10, 2024
Both players have endured torrid luck on the fitness front this term and will be well aware that they now are at risk of missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.
Mount, 25, is yet to really get going in a United shirt following his shock £60 million move from Chelsea last summer, which saw him sever his 18-year ties with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
