Ten Hag supplies a mixed bag ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Arsenal
Following Friday afternoon’s managerial press conference ahead of a return to Premier League action, Erik ten Hag has supplied injury updates on several first-team squad members.
In promising news, captain Bruno Fernandes and dynamic midfielder Scott McTominay have returned to Friday’s first-team session at Carrington, with both missing Monday’s humbling against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
They join the returning duo of Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martínez, who were back amongst teammates during yesterday’s session at Carrington – much to the delight of the fanbase.
What the manager said
As Manchester United’s official website reported, Ten Hag has welcomed most of today’s news, except Mason Mount, who has picked up a concern in yesterday’s session, with the player now doubtful for Sunday’s fixture.
The Dutchman told reporters: “I hope I have players [back and available], yeah. But there are players that did train this morning.”
“Bruno was on the pitch and Scott McTominay was on the pitch, so there are some players returning. But also I have to report that unfortunately, yesterday, Mason Mount fell out [of contention]. So he will not be available for Sunday.”
Martínez is a sight for sore eyes
With the Argentine back in contention for first-team minutes, teammates and supporters alike are chomping for the return of the side’s defensive lynchpin. Having made just eleven appearances in an injury-ravaged season, the manager offered some insight.
“Yesterday Licha came to me, and he wanted to play on Sunday against Arsenal, but he is not ready yet,” Ten Hag added. “He needs a little bit more time to go through the process.”
Marcus Rashord was another welcome addition to Carrington, and the boss has offered a more optimistic outlook regarding the Manchester attacker.
“Rashy, of course, he trained this morning as well, and we have to see how he recovered from this. But, I think it looks quite good and I hope he can tomorrow make the next training and then see if he is available for Sunday.”
Further absences for Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire
Luke Shaw is another who has endured a frustrating season with injuries, but the manager remains hopeful that he could make an appearance before the season’s end.
“Luke Shaw had a setback in his process as well but there is still a hope and he will fight to be available for the final.”
The defence remains an area of concern, with no updates on Raphael Varane, Willy Kambwala and Victor Lindelof. Harry Maguire is setting his sights on an FA Cup final return, with Casemiro inline to feature in the back four once more out of necessity.
André Onana receives monthly award
André Onana has enjoyed an up-and-down debut season in Manchester, with the shot-stopper coming into his own in recent months.
His upturn in form has received plenty of applause, with United’s number 24 winning the April Save of the Month award for his extraordinary stop against Burnley.
What’s next for Ten Hag’s side
Next up for the Reds is an Old Trafford fixture against title-challenging Arsenal on Sunday, May 12.
With the Gunners aiming to win out the remainder of the season, the Reds have had little time to recover from an unsettling London experience.
Action is set to get underway at 16:30 BST. Do you think United can upset the odds on the day? Let us know what you think below.
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