Manchester United are beginning to get a handful of players back from injury as the FA Cup Final approaches.
One of the reasons Manchester United have not been rushing players back from injury has been because club do not want to aggravate problems and cause them to miss the FA Cup Final.
There is no more reason to hold out. Players need minutes, game time and training time, and we saw Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford make their returns in the win over Newcastle.
Erik ten Hag has provided an injury update, speaking at a press conference, and has some positive news.
Manchester United injury updates
Erik ten Hag spoke about Raphael Varane, who waved an emotional farewell to Old Trafford in midweek.
He also discussed Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, who are all currently question marks for the final.
On Varane and Lindelof… “Rapha Varane and Victor Lindelof, they returned on the pitch. We have to see how far [off a return] they are on Sunday. Tomorrow, we have off, Saturday we have a training, and then we will see what we have.”
On Maguire… “For the cup final, we’re working on [it]. I think Harry Maguire, I think it’s a fair chance that he will be available. We plan [for] him.”
On Shaw… “Luke is more complicated, in this moment, let’s say it’s a less chance that he will make it. But there is still a very small, reduced chance.”
Manchester United centre-back pairing for final still unclear
We will not see Jonny Evans and Casemiro line up at the back at Wembley, that’s for sure.
Evans at least is in the mix to start at the back, but he could be moved aside. Lisandro Martinez has a headstart on the others after making his return, while Willy Kambwala is also available too.
Raphael Varane is a proven big game player, while Harry Maguire has been super reliable this season too.
It is a hard choice to decide who will start at the back, and will be guided somewhat by fitness, who is sharpest, and has the best chance of lasting all 90 minutes.
There was no mention ofMason Mount, whose status for the final remains a mystery, while Anthony Martial or Tyrell Malacia are not expected to be in the mix.