Manchester United will be itching to bounce back from the derby day disappointment on Saturday when they play hosts to top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils suffered a 4-1 humbling at the hands of their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, which further dented their top-four aspirations. A defeat in the Manchester derby, coupled with Arsenal’s win over Watford last weekend, saw Ralf Rangnick’s side drop out of the top four.
Up next for the Mancunian giants is a stiff test from Tottenham, who head to Old Trafford off the back of a resounding 5-0 win over Everton on Monday.
Cristiano Ronaldo was ruled out of the Manchester derby with a hip flexor strain. However, he has since returned to training and has been declared available by the manager.
Raphael Varane has returned to training after recovering from a bout of Covid-19, but Luke Shaw is still missing after testing positive for the virus before the Manchester derby.
Edinson Cavani is expected to be involved against Tottenham, having returned to training earlier this week.
Goalkeeper
After conceding four goals in the last game against Man City, David de Gea will hope for a much-improved performance on Sunday. The Spaniard is set to be in goal for the hosts again.
Defence
There have been question marks over Manchester United’s defending since the start of the season, and after leaking four goals at the Etihad Stadium, the fans want Ralf Rangnick to take some bold decisions but they are likely to be disappointed with Harry Maguire seemingly undroppable.
However, the availability of Raphael Varane is a big boost, with the Frenchman expected to walk straight into the Man United lineup alongside the club captain.
Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are battling it out on a daily basis for a spot in the Man United lineup and today we could see the former get the nod while Luke Shaw’s absence should see Alex Telles keep his place at left-back in the Man United lineup.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic could be fielded as a shield in front of the back four with Spurs’ world-class forwards expected to cause problems for United.
Fred should start in midfield with Bruno Fernandes the likeliest to complete the trio. Paul Pogba might have to make way and could be afforded a start in the game against Atletico Madrid.
Attack
Jadon Sancho seems to be one of the first names on the team sheet now and should start on the left-wing in the Man United lineup.
Anthony Elanga could be preferred ahead of Marcus Rashford for the right-wing spot while the fit-again Cristiano Ronaldo will want to get his name on the scoresheet ahead of the crucial Champions League game.
He is likely to spearhead the Man United lineup.
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