Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that ahead of the Red Devils’ game against Manchester City, two first-team players have tested positive for Covid.
Not only has star forward Cristiano Ronaldo been excluded from the German’s tactical plans, but Rangnick must now find a way to manage without defensive duo Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash at the Etihad, Rangnick, who spoke to the club’s media team, said: “Rapha Varane and Luke Shaw tested positive with COVID unfortunately in midweek.
“Edi [Cavani] trained well in the last three days but, at the end, he didn’t feel quite well enough to be able to play. And Cristiano had some problems with his hip flexor on Friday and since then, he didn’t train.”
Read more: Man City vs Man United confirmed lineups: Elanga in for missing Ronaldo
The fact both defenders have been ruled out at the last minute will undoubtedly serve as a bitter blow to United.
Although it wouldn’t have been a given that Shaw would have started – especially considering the form Alex Telles has been in recently, but Varane would have certainly started.
Now set to face a surging Manchester City, the Red Devils must find a way to not only score, but also nulify the huge threat Pep Guardiola’s attacking line, which includes £100m man Jack Grealish, poses.
