Confirmed Manchester United to face Bournemouth: Lisandro Martinez returns to squad

Manchester United are kicking off their 2023 at home against Bournemouth as Erik ten Hag’s men look to make it six wins from six.

Manchester United recently threw themselves into the Premier League top four with a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves, with Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat securing Erik ten Hag‘s spot in the Champions League places at the end of game week 18.

This fixture sees the much anticipated return of Lisandro Martinez, who is back in training after his World Cup win with Argentina in Qatar last month.

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Speaking yesterday about his return, Martinez told club media: “(I have) finished all the partying, now I’m focused here in Manchester, and I’ll be working towards giving my all and getting ready for tomorrow’s game.

“It (returning to Carrington) was great. It was lovely. I’ve formed a really good relationship with my teammates, with the staff and everyone who works here. I feel there’s warmth between us.”

He also made it clear that his mentality has not changed after winning the World Cup, saying, “What I always try to do is give my all for the team, for the club, to fight to the end to always try and win games and to have that mindset, so that’s why we feel connected to the fans.”

The line-ups for the fixture have been confirmed

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Casemiro, Van de Beek, Eriksen, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial.

Subs: Heaton, Martinez, Malacia, Varane, Dalot, Fred, Elanga, McTominay, Garnacho.

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Bournemouth

Starting XI: Travers, Cook, Kelly, Mepham, Lerma, Solanke, Christie, Smith, Senesi, Billingm Anthony.

Subs: Plain, Stephens, Rothwell, Stacey, Lowe, Siriki, Moore, Pearson, Zemura.