When it rains, it pours. And when it pours, it hails. After losing Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat and Willy Kambwala for that calamitous FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City, Erik ten Hag confirmed that Manchester United have at least two more players ‘doubtful’ for the visit of Sheffield United on Wednesday.
In fact, the Red Devils picked up no fewer than four new injury issues at Wembley, though there are hopes that two of those can be involved against Chris Wilder’s side.
Ten Hag confirms, during his press conference on Tuesday lunchtime, that a man who has started more than 30 games in a row in all competitions could see that remarkable run snapped in midweek. Alejandro Garnacho was subbed off again by the Manchester United boss at Wembley. But, unlike during the draw with Bournemouth which resulted in yet another rather unseemly dispute between coach and player, the winger’s removal that six-goal thriller versus Coventry was not a tactical one.
“We had a problem with Alejandro Garnacho, that’s why we took him off during the game,” Ten Hag explains.
Fortunately, Garnacho – Ten Hag feels – ‘will be fine’ to feature against a seemingly doomed Sheffield United side. The former Ajax boss is hopeful that captain Bruno Fernandes will be involved too, though Ten Hag is less confident about the involvement of Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford, both of whom were spotted limping off against Coventry.
“Scott McTominay we have to assess today,” Ten Hag sighs. “(McTominay is) really doubtful. Marcus Rashford is also doubtful and there was also an issue with Bruno Fernandes with the hand. But I think he can make it.
“We have some doubts going into the game tomorrow.”
One suspects Fernandes could live through a nuclear blast and recover in time for a midweek home clash with the Premier League’s bottom side, such is the Portugal international’s remarkable resilience. Per Transfermarkt, Fernandes has only ever missed two games through injury in his entire career, and those came all the way back in 2019 when he was still a Sporting Lisbon player.
Man United host Sheffield United on Wednesday
If Rashford is unavailable, and should Ten Hag opt to give the overworked Garnacho a deserved rest, that could afford the under-fire Antony the chance to bounce back from all the criticism that came his way for those rather unhelpful antics over the weekend. Omari Forson, who came off the bench against Coventry, may also come into consideration, alongside quarter-final hero Amad Diallo.
It remains to be seen, however, if Mount, Amrabat and Kambwala are fit to feature against a Blades side sitting 10 points from safety, but with a history of pulling off shock wins at Old Trafford.
“First of all, the most important thing we can do to put ourselves in a winning position is by good structure,” Ten Hag adds, his side winning only one of their last seven in the Premier League. “And we have seen that on many occasions.
“We have a back-four and have to make compromises and be really creative. But we can’t sub players there as well (due to the injuries). What you need is a full squad, and you can take your messages from the side, repair things.
“We have to improve it, (we) need a full squad to repair that.”
Injury type Projected return Willy Kambwala Unknown Unknown Bruno Fernandes Hand v Palace Scott McTominay Knee strain v Palace Marcus Rashford Ankle May Raphael Varane Muscular injury May Jonny Evans Ongoing issue v Palace Victor Lindelof Hamstring injury May Lisandro Martinez Calf injury May Luke Shaw Thigh injury May Anthony Martial Groin injury May Tyrell Malacia Knee injury Unknown