Krishnan Sreekumar
Scott McTominay provides Manchester United fitness boost ahead of Manchester derby on Sunday
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United may well have received a welcome injury boost ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend in the form of midfielder Scott McTominay.
The Scot was last seen in United’s 4-2 win over Leeds United at Elland Road a couple of weeks back, with the midfielder making his mark on the field by putting in a commanding display against a leaky Leeds side.
However, the Carrington product has been missing in action since the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid as interim manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed that the player was ruled out due to illness. Since then, the player has not featured for the club as we drew two games in succession.
McTominay was definitely missed against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 clash, as the Red Devils’ midfield was all over the place and unable to contain Diego Simeone’s men who ran riot in the first half of the game. The Scotland international has been operating as the team’s defensive midfielder in recent games, and his presence was sure to shore up our midfield area.
Back in training
Up next, United are in action against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium as we continue to chase a top-four finish by the end of the season. A positive result is crucial for our hopes of playing Champions League football next campaign.
There may be positive news with regards to McTominay’s illness, as the midfielder was spotted in training with his teammates on Wednesday as they prepare for their clash against their noisy neighbours.
The 25-year-old, however, may not have an easy return back to the starting lineup with Fred and Nemanja Matic covering for him while he was on the sidelines, and the pair have been doing a decent job in our previous games.
Matic has been a standout performer of late, with his introduction in the second half against Atletico proving to be the difference as the team regained some control over the game. He further impressed in the 0-0 draw against Watford last weekend, driving the side forward and trying to open up the Hornets’ defence.
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If declared fully fit, it will be interesting to see whether Rangnick picks the experienced Matic for the derby on Sunday or the physical McTominay. City will come at United with all guns blazing, so the German will have quite a decision to make.
The Cityzens have only lost thrice in the league this season, and the Red Devils will hope to add one more to that tally. The previous derby at Old Trafford saw the blue side of the city head back with a 2-0 win, so revenge is there to be had this weekend as the two sides face off at the Etihad.
