Manchester United have early team news ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash on Saturday
As confirmed by the club’s official website, Manchester United have given some early team news and injury updates regarding the first-team squad ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Last weekend’s game against Manchester City saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, and Edinson Cavani miss out on the matchday squad due to a mix of injury and COVID concerns. The players were sorely missed as the derby ended 4-1 in favour of the Cityzens.
Ahead of the Spurs game, it has been confirmed that Varane has recovered from COVID and returned to training, while Ronaldo has been working separately to regain fitness after suffering a hip injury.
Both ex-Real Madrid men were signed by the Red Devils at the beginning of the current season to bolster the squad with experienced internationals. So far, Varane has been satisfactory in defence while Ronaldo has dropped off in his form after he hit the ground running at Old Trafford in his second spell in Manchester.
Doubtful for Spurs
There is no further information about Shaw, who also missed the City clash last weekend due to COVID. The left-back has been first choice in his position under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, so his availability will be crucial in our next game.
Cavani meanwhile is said to have hopes about making a return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a groin injury. His last appearance for the side was against Burnley, which took place a month back.
Man United will be hoping to do the double this season over Spurs this weekend, having already beaten them in a convincing 3-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year. Ronaldo, Cavani, and Marcus Rashford were on the scoresheet for the Red Devils in that game.
However, they could possibly be without Ronaldo and Cavani for the reverse fixture on Saturday, which will be a blow to the team. Bruno Fernandes covered for the pair against City last weekend, but perhaps it may be time for Rangnick to deploy Rashford in the position against the Lilywhites given the Englishman has played as a striker before.
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Man United’s defensive frailties were exposed in the Manchester derby, so news about Varane’s return to training is pleasing. Whether he is fit to start against Antonio Conte’s side is yet to be seen. Shaw, however, is likely to still be out for the game.
Rangnick is expected to give a full squad update tomorrow in his pre-match press conference, so we may know more about how our team shapes up on the weekend. A win against Tottenham is crucial, given we are competing with them in the race to finish in the top four spots of the Premier League table.
