Manchester United return to Premier League action on Tuesday, December 27 against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. It is the first meeting between the teams since 1999.
The Red Devils will be keen on picking up where they left off in the league as their last match on November 13 was a crucial away win against Fulham.
United now face a schedule with added fixture congestion due to Europa League playoffs and progression to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. They also play an FA Cup tie on January 6th, with games coming thick and fast now the World Cup is out of the way.
It unfortunately means there is no proper rest for Reds returning from Qatar and United had 14 players make the trip. Some played significantly more than others, with several first-team starters likely to be feeling added fatigue from the tournament.
Erik ten Hag opted to start five World Cup players in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Burnley, two of which secured the win by getting their names on the scoresheet.
Forest team news:
Steve Cooper faces a concerning issue in that Wayne Hennessey has picked up a knock and is in a race against time to be fit for Tuesday. He is the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, with the first choice being Dean Henderson, who is unable to line up against his parent club. If the Wales international is unfit to play, Cooper would be forced to deploy academy graduate Jordan Smith, who last played a competitive match in March 2021.
The manager also confirmed (via Nottingham Post) that Serge Aurier and Morgan Gibbs-White are nursing slight injuries, but he is “hopeful” they will return in time to face United.
United team news:
Harry Maguire was ill this week, which caused Ten Hag to play Casemiro at centre-back on Wednesday. Whilst it initially seemed a bizarre decision, the Brazilian did not look one bit out of place and put in an exceptional shift, picking up a clean sheet in his first defensive start.
Still, Casemiro will be needed in his usual midfield position next week as he has become almost irreplaceable alongside Christian Eriksen.
United are awaiting the return of both World Cup finalists, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. The latter left Qatar a world champion and is rightfully celebrating the triumphant win in Argentina with his teammates, family and supporters.
The Frenchman finished a runner-up and will report for training soon but Ten Hag may hold off on him starting the first match upon his return. Varane can struggle with injuries and played six matches throughout the tournament.
