Manchester United predicted XI to face Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

A nightmare 45 minutes in Thursday’s Europa League tie against Sevilla saw Manchester United throw away a two-goal lead but perhaps more importantly, saw the loss of both first-choice centre-backs through injury.

Raphael Varane was forced off at halftime with an aggravation of an existing complaint, and United fans’ fears were confirmed on Friday morning with Lisandro Martinez set to miss the rest of the season with a metatarsal injury.

The hectic schedule that Ten Hag’s men have had since the World Cup has seemingly caught up with his squad in recent weeks. Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford have been absent through injury and the heart of United’s defence in Varane and Martinez may not feature again this season.

On a positive note, Anthony Martial has featured in the last four games with no setbacks and Casemiro is available again domestically after his most recent suspension.

Marcus Rashford looks set to remain on the sidelines with the United boss confirming on Wednesday that he will miss ‘the next few games’. Luke Shaw on the other hand could be set to return to the fold after being forced off in the 1-0 win against Brentford 10 days ago.

Golden Glove contender David De Gea will keep his place in goal, but the United boss may be tempted to freshen up the rest of his side with a crunch tie against Sevilla looming. Diogo Dalot could return to a make-shift defence which is likely to include both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

All signs suggest that Luke Shaw will return to the squad but Tyrrell Malacia could keep his place with Ten Hag keeping one eye on the Europa League quarter-final second leg on Thursday.

The ever-present Bruno Fernandes and the returning Casemiro are almost certain to feature alongside Christian Eriksen who could make his first start since returning from injury.

Erik ten Hag hinted on Friday that Antony Martial still isn’t ready to start and complete a match. The French forward played over an hour on Thursday and with the critical games stacking up, this could be a game for Wout Weghorst.

Antony and Jadon Sancho are expected to make up the forward line unless the United boss goes for the unlikely selections of Anthony Elanga or Facundo Pellistri.

Full predicted XI

De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, B.Fernandes, Sancho, Weghorst.