Ralf Rangnick: Manchester United duo Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay could feature vs Manchester City
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has expressed that Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay could play a part in the derby match against Manchester City later today. The interim coach addressed the matter in an interview with the club’s media in the build-up to the Premier League fixture.
Cavani has been out on the sidelines since picking up a groin injury against Burnley at the start of February. The Uruguayan has struggled with his fitness throughout this season, which has been the case this time around as well. The boss has now mentioned that the striker could come from the bench based on the recent development.
“Well, it’s good to have him back. We have one more alternative in a central attacking position but he has been out for three weeks. I don’t think he could play for more than, I don’t know, half an hour. He’s ready for that, for coming on as a sub but I don’t think he can be in contention to start that game.”
Rangnick has also addressed McTominay’s development after the midfielder was pictured in training sessions at Carrington. Surprisingly enough, the manager has conveyed that the midfielder could start the game despite losing some weight after being seriously ill for some time.
“Important to have him available. He’s been training the whole week. He’s been out one week only but he was really seriously ill and lost some weight. I think he could be in contention for the starting XI but I will decide on that on Saturday after the last training session.”
More choices for us!
Man City would undoubtedly be the biggest challenge the German coach has faced so far since taking over the job at Old Trafford. We have become better defensively under him, but the stern challenge that awaits us later today would test the level of improvements that have been achieved.
Cavani’s return would certainly be of help as his work effort off-the-ball could make life difficult for the opposition to build from the back. That being said, we would hope that the 33-year-old could find his feet and replicate the form he had showcased in the last campaign.
As for McTominay, he would give us more options in the midfield and would also add some bite to the centre of the pitch. Guardiola’s side is known for their excellent technical prowess to break through opposition lines, and having the Englishman could assist us to prevent that scenario.
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However, questions can be raised on whether it would be wise to start the 25-year-old Scot, especially when his body has been affected by the illness. Rangnick would have reached the final decision by now, and it will be interesting to see if the midfielder will start or not.
It remains to be seen how involved the Red Devils duo would be as we near one of the highly anticipated matches of this matchday. Getting a good result would definitely be tough, but we are hopeful that the players can achieve it as we fight to gain a foothold in the top-four race.
