With Michael Carrick edging closer to a permanent deal at Old Trafford, his Manchester United squad will contest their final home fixture of the season on Sunday afternoon.
Their guests will come in the shape of a Nottingham Forest side who, safe from relegation, are preparing for a summer where Elliot Anderson will take centre stage.
Bruno Fernandes and his team have already secured Champions League football, and can gain further momentum by surpassing the 70-point mark with victory in their final two outings.
Inevitably, much of the weekend focus will be placed on the outgoing Casemiro, as the legendary Brazilian bids farewell to the Theatre of Dreams.
Although nothing can ever be taken for granted in the Premier League, one can only assume that he would like to go out with a bang and will give his all in front of an adoring audience.
Still, given the congestion within the lower half of the table, Forest could finish as high as ninth. And with every position worth in the region of an additional £3 million, three points will not be surrendered lightly.
Manchester United team news for Nottingham Forest outing
Speaking with the media on Friday afternoon, Carrick was quick to confirm Casemiro’s availability and recognise his outstanding impact at the football club.
“Case’s available. I can speak since I’ve been here, and met him and worked with him – he’s been fantastic for us, for me personally, for us as a group, what he’s given us,” the 44-year-old beamed.
“That certainty helps, knowing the situation, for him and for us, for him to get in a place where he can give absolutely everything, know it’s going to come to an end – credit to him for the way he’s gone about that. It is easy to go the other way.
“He’s fully invested, fully supported by us as a staff in the performances he’s given. He’s had some ups and downs over the year, to finish so strongly and see that connection with the supporters is really good to see.”
Benjamin Sesko has excelled since the turn of the year, contributing nine Premier League goals from 15 appearances. However, he missed the previous fixture with Sunderland, and remains a doubt for Sunday.
“Ben’s not as straightforward as Case,” Carrick confirmed. “He’s still not 100% with the problem he has. Apart from that, we’re alright” [regarding the remainder of the squad].
The interim coach remained tight-lipped about his future, stressing that focus was firmly placed on the task at hand. Nonetheless, he was quick to emphasise the importance of progression.
“You’ve got to aim upwards”, he added. “That’s the beauty of football, the beauty of competition, to achieve something and back it up, that’s the challenge.
“For the players, for the squad, for the whole group and the football club, we want to keep moving in a positive way and in the right direction.
“The closer you get to the top, the less room for progress, but progress is what we’re aiming for.”
Despite the contrasting fortunes of both clubs today, United required an 81st-minute equaliser from Amad to steal a share of the points in a 2-2 draw in November.
This trend has seen Forest enjoy the better of recent league encounters, with the Garibaldis unbeaten in the previous four meetings between the sides (won 3, drawn 1).
Nonetheless, Carrick’s men remain one of the form sides in the country, and will be boosted by a partisan crowd for one final home show of another Jekyll and Hyde campaign.
And with Bruno aiming to overtake the Premier League assist record of 20, wouldn’t it be fitting if the Football Writers Player of the Year delivered in front of the Stretford End?
Michael Salisbury has been named to officiate proceedings, while Gary Beswick and Matthew Donohue will assist at Stockley Park, with action set to get underway at 12:30 BST.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno, Mbeumo; Cunha.
Will Manchester United get the job done on Sunday? Let us know in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
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