Erik ten Hag is optimistic about Lisandro Martínez’s fitness ahead of the upcoming Premier League game against Newcastle United. Despite Martinez’s history of foot, knee, and calf injuries limiting him to only 11 appearances this season, the centre-back is expected to be included in the squad for the match. Ten Hag expressed confidence in Martinez’s availability, citing his recent training sessions with the team as a positive sign. However, the Dutch manager also highlighted the need to assess other key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Willy Kambwala.
Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday that Raphaël Varane will be leaving the club at the end of the season. While Varane will not be able to play against Newcastle, there is a possibility of his return for the final games of the season, including the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Ten Hag emphasized the importance of planning for Varane’s involvement in the remaining fixtures, aiming for a strong finish in the Premier League and the cup competition.
With Manchester United currently in eighth place in the Premier League standings, the team faces a crucial challenge in their quest for a top-seven finish. Failure to secure at least four points from the upcoming matches against Newcastle and Brighton would result in the lowest points total in their Premier League history. Ten Hag acknowledged the significance of the Newcastle game, pointing out the team’s position in the league and the importance of securing a victory to enhance their European qualification prospects.
Manchester United’s injury concerns add another layer of complexity to their season objectives. While the potential return of players like Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane offers some hope for the team’s performance in the closing stages of the season, the pressure to secure a top-seven finish or win the FA Cup remains high. Erik ten Hag’s management of the squad and tactical decisions will play a crucial role in determining Manchester United’s success as they approach the final games of the campaign.
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