Erik ten Hag has revealed that centre-back Lisandro Martinez looks set to return for Newcastle’s trip to Old Trafford tonight, but star duo Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are both facing late fitness tests.
Argentine defender Martinez hasn’t featured since their 1-1 draw at Brentford in March, but is expected back after just missing out on their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
They will have a host of defenders ruled out in Varane, Shaw, Maguire, Malacia and Lindelof, while Martial also remains out. Mason Mount is a doubt, but will be assessed along with Fernandes, Rashford and young centre-back Willy Kambwala.
Speaking to the media yesterday, here’s what ten Hag had to say on injuries and their “very important” clash with Eddie Howe’s Mags:
“Licha Martinez, I think he will return in the squad. He has now [had] some sessions with us, and we plan for him to be available. This afternoon, [if] everything goes right in the training, he will return in the squad.
“For some other players, we have to see. (Marcus) Rashford, Bruno (Fernandes), Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough (Varane) Definitely for the last games. Not Newcastle, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, the last game [vs Man City in the FA Cup].”
“It’s clear this is a very important game. You get the ranking, so it is very important to get the win. We have to do everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.”
Erik ten Hag says that Lisandro Martinez should return for Manchester United against Newcastle but will still need to see on Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford 🔴 pic.twitter.com/s9i2NlMlJt
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 14, 2024
