Erik ten Hag highlights two “magnificent” players for Man United ahead of Newcastle clash

Erik ten Hag has highlighted the importance of having Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane fit for Manchester United’s clash against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The Reds return to Premier League action with an important fixture against Eddie Howe’s side. Three points separate the two teams ahead of the game and United could extend that to six with a win.

Importantly, the visitors are able to line up strongly after Rashford and Varane were able to rest during the international break.

Both players had picked up small injuries beforehand but are back in the starting XI for United and the manager pointed out their impact towards the side at either end of the field.

“These are magnificent players for us and they can make the difference,” Ten Hag said of Rashford and Varane to MUTV. “One in defending and giving the team a mature attitude and the other one also mature but he’s also the threat attacking-wise.”

The Dutch manager has been able to include Anthony Martial in a matchday squad for the first time since the beginning of February. Despite his injury troubles this season, Ten Hag continues to explain how United are a better team with the Frenchman.

“Every time Anthony Martial is on the pitch he has a massive impact on our team,” added the United boss. “But he didn’t play that much and that’s a pity for him and for us.

“Because we can beat big opponents with him on the pitch; remember Liverpool at home, remember City at home, so he can make a difference and we see that every time.

“So hopefully he stays fit and can have an impact in the last games of the season, where the season starts because we are now playing for titles and trophies.”

Aaron Wan-Bissaka misses out on the game through illness, however. The right-back locked up the dangerous Allen Saint-Maximin in the second half of the Carabao Cup final.

The French winger caused problems for Diogo Dalot in the first half of that game and the Portuguese defender will have to be defensively astute this time around.

Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer start alongside each other in the middle of the park for the third time this season. Both players impressed for their countries during the international break.