Team News: Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick gives squad update ahead of Manchester derby
As per the club’s official website, Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has given an injury update on his squad ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.
United come into the game from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Watford at home, dropping yet more crucial points this season. City, meanwhile, pulled off a narrow 1-0 away win against Everton as they continue to lead the Premier League table.
Rangnick provided some good news on striker Edinson Cavani, who has missed the past few games through injury, saying that the forward was back in contention for selection against City.
“He is back in training since yesterday, today was his second training session with the team.”
The Uruguayan has hardly featured for United this season, with a groin injury keeping him out of the side for a majority of the games in 2022. The former Paris Saint-Germain player has only made a single appearance this year, when he started in the 1-1 draw against Burnley last month.
“It looks good for Edinson”
Although Rangnick did not mention his availability, midfielder Scott McTominay was also pictured in training at Carrington, providing hope about the Scot possibly getting ready to return to action this weekend. He fell ill before the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid a few weeks ago, and has not featured since.
Despite Rangnick providing positive news about Cavani, the German did say that a few other players may be doubts for Sunday’s game in what was a sobering update. United fans will hope that these ‘question marks’ over other stars do not impact our chances against City.
“He looks good to be involved on Sunday, but there are still some question marks over other players. It looks good for Edinson for Sunday.”
In what will be Rangnick’s first Manchester derby since he took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last year, fans will hope that the German is prepared to face one of the biggest clashes in Premier League football. Revenge will be on the minds of the United players, who had to suffer a 2-0 defeat at home to their rivals last time around.
A win is crucial for our hopes of making it to the top four of the league table by the end of the season if we are to play Champions League football next term. A win would also blow open the title race, putting added pressure on City towards the business end of the campaign.
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Rangnick’s predecessor had a stellar record against the noisy neighbours, pulling off a few upsets against Pep Guardiola’s side over the past few seasons. Fans will hope that the former RB Leipzig manager takes a few pages out of Solskjaer’s book on Sunday and continues the trend.
Fans will definitely be excited to hear about Cavani’s return, given our recent struggles in front of goal. The Uruguay international is industrious and an ever-present threat to the opposition, and we can hope that he is involved in the game and proves to be instrumental as usual. Hopefully, this was the last time he was unavailable for us this season, as we need our attackers more than ever, especially after Mason Greenwood’s suspension in recent weeks.
