Erig Ten Hag has broke down in tears after Key Manchester United player who was supposed to be the main man against Manchester City has been injured in training this evening
Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane are likely to be fit when Manchester United face Manchester City.
The pair were classified as doubts for the midweek FA Cup triumph over Nottingham Forest, but both appear to have recovered. Fernandes was seen staggering out of the City Ground after their hard-earned win in the fifth round of the competition.
Varane has struggled with injuries throughout the season, but he appears to have shaken off previous concerns about his availability for this weekend’s Manchester Derby. His defensive partner, Harry Maguire, is in question after missing Wednesday’s game due to an unexplained ailment.
Erik ten Hag, speaking ahead of Sunday’s meeting against their title-chasing neighbours, stated that despite initial concerns, both Fernandes and Varane made it through the FA Cup match unscathed. He stated, “They fought hard to be a part of it, and they came out on top.”
“I believe they will be available on Sunday as well. And for the rest, I don’t think any players will return for Sunday, so we’ll go with the same group as yesterday.”
Rasmus Hojlund will miss the crucial meeting with Pep Guardiola’s team due to a muscular issue that has sidelined him for up to three weeks. The problem occurs at the worst possible time for the striker, who has been in his greatest scoring form since moving to Old Trafford, with seven goals in six games.
Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will all be sidelined, leaving Ten Hag without four defensive alternatives. Anthony Martial and Mason Mount are also long-term absentees. The former Chelsea midfielder had a rough debut season at Old Trafford, and the United manager has previously stated that he will not be pushed back to avoid further setbacks.
“He was struggling from the second game of the season,” said the former Ajax manager. “He returned for a while but then sustained another injury, which is obviously not ideal.
“That is incredibly frustrating for him, and I truly feel for him. I truly want to be there for him because both he and I had big expectations.
