Early Team News: Man United receive defensive boost for Brighton clash

Manchester United have received a defensive boost ahead of their final Premier League clash of the season against Brighton.

The Reds will be looking to build some sort of momentum heading towards the FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend.

In recent weeks, Erik ten Hag has been forced to move Casemiro into the defence due to having only one natural centre-back fit. Firstly Willy Kambwala before he suffered injury and Jonny Evans returned.

However, last time out against Newcastle, we saw Lisandro Martínez return to the squad and make an appearance off the bench. He could start against The Seagulls in preparation for the Wembley trip.

MEN also confirmed ahead of the official team news that Raphaël Varane is back in the matchday squad, which could mean Ten Hag sets up with his preferred defensive partnership from last season.

Varane, of course, has announced that he will be leaving United at the end of the season and he received an outstanding reception after the club’s last game at Old Trafford this season earlier in the week.

The supporters have been behind the team in recent months despite the difficulties on the pitch and that is something Ten Hag has been grateful for.

“It’s fantastic to feel that fight, to feel the strong bond between the team and the fans, and we have seen it through the whole season and in difficult moments,” he told reporters.

They are always with us and always backing the team, they stuck with us and that is a fantastic feeling, if you can build such a strong bond.

“We invested a lot, the fans and the team, in difficult moments. Stay with each other and you have good times, and I’m sure the good times will come. We’re building up, the fans see this and they recognise this and, of course, they count on us. We have to pay them back.”

Speaking on the upcoming opposition, the Dutch manager added: “We have to make sure that we are dangerous for them and we have to prepare the team very good because we know we’re playing a typical style, a style I admire.

“But they have also the weaknesses and we have to take benefit from the weaknesses, as you should.”