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Manchester United return to action on Thursday against rivals Chelsea in what will be a very crucial tie. In fact, all ties between now and the end of the season will be final-like and United will have to be at their very best.
Manager Erik ten Hag spoke to the media and gave the latest on his teams ahead of the Thursday late night kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
To begin with, it was yesterday confirmed defenders Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martínez both went down with injuries and will both be out for a month.
Ten Hag also downplayed suggestions that former Chelsea man Mason Mount will be in the starting 11 as he is only getting back into the squad.
The Englishman was on target at Brentford, giving United the lead in the closing stages of the game before Brentford equalized, evading what would have been a great injustice considering how dominant the Londoners were.
Mount returns to his boyhood club for the first time since a £55million summer switch to Old Trafford, and is seeking a first start since October.
“He’s a fantastic football player, but it’s important first that he is getting and keeping fit because he has had three injuries,” Ten Hag told reporters on Wednesday.
Raphael Varane is back in training after being replaced by Harry Maguire at half-time against Brentford as a precaution. Academy graduate Kambwala is on standby, with Jonny Evans also rejoining training on Wednesday.
The absentees with injuries include Licha, Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial.
United on Thursday night will aim for their first victory at Stamford Bridge in over four years.
After travelling to West London, United host Liverpool in a repeat of last month’s thrilling 4-3 victory – which booked Ten Hag’s side a place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
