Late Manchester United squad change vs Everton hints at injury confirmation

Manchester United have made a late change to their squad as they travel to face Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag has multiple fitness doubts in his current Manchester United squad, with seven players confirmed as out of the Everton trip.

Rasmus Højlund was one player who was set to have a last-minute fitness test after the Danish striker was substituted through injury against Luton two weeks ago, but it looks like he will not play against Everton.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United are set to have “a few youngsters” involved in today’s squad due to their injury woes.

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One of these players, as described in the article, is Joe Hugill – striker for United’s academy team.

Hugill has impressed of late, scoring in pre-season under Ten Hag, and his inclusion suggests that United will be without Højlund for the trip and therefore confirming his injury, with Anthony Martial potentially starting and Hugill added to the bench for extra fire-power if necessary.

Hugill has never been part of a competitive United matchday squad, and with the team struggling for goals, he has the chance to impress on what might be his club and Premier League debut.

Kobbie Mainoo is also expected to start amid injuries to Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Christian Eriksen.

Originally United’s academy players had been given a day off, but the MEN report that they were frantically contacted to report for possible first-team participation at the 11th hour.