Match Coverage
Manchester United expected XI vs Arsenal as Erik ten Hag takes three injury risks
Erik ten Hag is expected to take multiple risks as he selects his Manchester United squad to face Arsenal in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Following a series of disappointing performances in the Premier League, such as a frustrating 1-1 draw with Burnley and a devastating 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, Manchester United are shifting their attention back to Old Trafford.
Their upcoming test involves hosting Arsenal on their own turf, with Mikel Arteta’s team fully engaged in an exhilarating title battle alongside Manchester City and Liverpool.
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With this in mind, Erik ten Hag will want to select his strongest possible XI for the Sunday afternoon tie, which will include André Onana in goal, who has played every league fixture this season.
In defence, United were nothing short of horrible at Selhurst Park on Monday evening, but all signs indicate that the same back four of Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Ten Hag did confirm that Lisandro Martínez, who returned to trianing this week, was “desperate” to play, but he will likely not return to the squad until the fixture against Newcastle next Wednesday.
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It has been claimed that Evans is only around 80 per cent fit, and he failed a fitness test ahead of the Palace game. Although he will almost certinaly start, it will be a risk.
In midfield is where two more risks are expected to be taken. Barring a last-minute injury, Kobbie Mainoo will start against Arsenal, but the other two players could be two who have only just resurfaced from injury.
With United having Casemiro in defence, Ten Hag will want a strong presence in midfield, and although that duty fell on Cristian Eriksen last week, this time it will likely be Scott McTominay, who has just returned from injury.
Beyond this, with Mason Mount also injured following his start against Crystal Palace, may hand Bruno Fernandes a start despite him only returning to training on Friday. If Fernandes does not start, Eriksen will likely take his place.
In attack, two usual suspects, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, will play from the first whistle. While Marcus Rashford has also returned from his recent injury absence, Ten Hag is more likely to pick Antony to help with his defensive work rate – although there have been murmurs that Amad could be handed a start.
This would put Garnacho on the left, Højlund through the middle, and Antony on the right-hand side.
Man United expected XI
Onana, Dalot, Evans, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Mainoo, Fernandes, Antony, Højlund, Garnacho.
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