In advance of Wednesday’s championship match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford, manager Erik ten Hag has given a significant update on his team.
The Magpies, who are three points ahead of Ten Hag’s team in the standings together with Chelsea, know that a win would guarantee they finish ahead of us for the first time in Premier League history. The Reds are in a must-win situation if we are to qualify for European play through our league position.
Even a United victory at home would only tie the northeast team in points with a far lower goal differential, but we might still aim for a final-day opportunity to pass them.
The good news is that Lisandro Martinez appears to be available. The Argentina international wants to make his Brentford debut after their March tie.
This would expand our choices in the middle of the defense, but Raphael Varane is still missing. The center back, who made his departure from the team known in the summer, might be back for Sunday’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion, which is the last game of the season.
Willy Kambwala, Bruno Fernandes, the captain, and Marcus Rashford must be evaluated to determine whether they can make the matchday roster for the 20:00 BST kickoff.
“Very good question,” Ten Hag said in response to the issue of whether he anticipates having any players return for the Magpies’ visit. Licha Martinez, in my opinion, will rejoin the team. We’ve now had a few sessions with him, and we want to have him available.
“He’ll be back in the squad this afternoon, assuming everything goes according to plan during training. We’ll have to see about some additional players. Willy Kambwala, Bruno, and Rashford, if they’re fit enough.”
Varane is out but has stated he plans to leave Old Trafford, wanting to show that he is healthy before the season ends.
“We have plans [for] him,” the manager said. “Certainly for the most recent games. Not tomorrow, but hopefully on Sunday, when there will be, naturally, the last match [the Emirates FA Cup final versus Manchester City].”
NEWS FROM NEWCASTLE’S TEAM
Eddie Howe, the manager, is worried about Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson’s fitness. Isak, the team’s leading scorer who began the weekend’s tie with Brighton & Hove Albion, is still considered doubtful because the two have been sick.
Nick Pope, who spent last season on loan at Old Trafford, may start in goal again, however Martin Dubravka will be hoping to play against his old team.
Important defender Fabian Schar is nearing a return and could play, while Kieran Trippier, the full-back, is expected to start after making his Saturday appearance as a substitute.
“Alex did not train yesterday,” Howe stated in his news conference prior to kickoff. “Today, we’ll see if he trains. It seemed to me that he wasn’t giving it his all [against Brighton]. On Friday, we were aware of his little illness.
“Callum hasn’t been spotted yet. We’ll check to see whether he can train today. If not, [on Sunday] we’ll have him for Brentford.”
“Nick is a player who has come back from a serious injury, a big problem to a big area of the body for a goalkeeper,” Howe continued, speaking about the goal selection.
“He continues to regain his rhythm as a result of his training exercises. His appearance has truly impressed me, and with ongoing training, he has only become better. I have to make a decision before every game, and this one will be no different.”
