Manchester United news and predicted lineup: Ugarte debut decision for Southampton clash, Fernandes injury update and Martinez replacement
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has a number of key decisions to consider ahead of their trip to Southampton this weekend.
He Red Devils The boss will be desperate to revive his side's already faltering season during a critical international break.
United were booed at Old Trafford after an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool before the Premier League went on hiatus.
Ten Hag's men had begun the new campaign by defeating Fulhambut consecutive defeats have left them languishing in 14th place in the table.
As a result, the pressure is on to prevent a slip-up for the newly promoted side. Southamptonwhich is one of only two teams that does not have a single point.
However, Ten Hag's job in getting United back on track has not been made easier by his ailing side's form.
Casemiro is ready for keep his starting position Despite being replaced at half time against Liverpool after two errors that ended in goals.
The 32-year-old has been training at Carrington after being left out of the Brazil squad, but doubts remain over his long-term place with the arrival of Manuel Ugarte.
The final day of the £50m signing He didn't register in time to play against Liverpool and their participation in the America's Cup along with his prolonged departure from Paris Saint-Germain meant that he had no minutes during the preseason.
Ugarte made positive steps toward regaining his sharpness by playing 79 minutes in Uruguay's 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Saturday.
The midfielder will not be ready to start a Premier League game yet, and Ten Hag has already shown caution over bringing in other summer signings. Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.
Both players are likely to start, despite the very contrasting experiences they had together while with the Netherlands national team.
5
De Ligt was heavily criticised for his performance in Oranje's 5-2 win over Bosnia, a game in which Zirkzee scored his first Dutch goal.
He was then taken off at half-time during Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Germany after another mistake led to a goal.
But De Ligt is unlikely to be punished by Ten Hag, who may be forced to disrupt his preferred central defence partnership.
Lisandro Martínez is, without a doubt, the first choice when he is fit, but the match schedule may take the decision out of his hands.
The 26-year-old started Argentina's 2-1 loss to Colombia on Tuesday night in Barranquilla.
Martinez will have logged significant time travelling on his return to Manchester, having also played in La Albiceleste's 3-0 win over Chile in Buenos Aires with his national team.
5
Taking into account the recovery time, the defender will only be able to have one training session for United before the team travel to Southampton on Friday night due to the 12:30pm kick-off.
Martinez's compatriot, Alexis Mac Allister He found himself playing away to Wolves at Liverpool in the early hours of Saturday after the September international break last year. Just to fight badly and be removed at half time.
If Ten Hag learns from Jurgen KloppThe mistake then was Martinez's, who also struggles with muscle injuriesyou may have to make do with the bank.
The former Ajax coach has made it clear publicly that he prefers Harry Maguire on the right side of the defense, and Leny YoroAbsence can open the door to Jonny Evans To have a surprise start.
The 36-year-old, who retired from Northern Ireland international duty, played the full 90 minutes on the left against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
5
Having He missed the decisive penalty in last month's shootout defeatEvans has been limited to just nine minutes so far this season.
The veteran played 23 times in the Premier League last season but was an unused substitute in the last two games.
Next to Evans on the left will be Diogo Dalotalthough Lucas Shaw closing in on a comeback against his former team Southampton.
Shaw – who He suffered a calf strain upon his return to preseason. – has started just once since February, when England lost 2-1 to Spain in the final. Euro 2024 end.
Rasmus Hojlund is Later in his attempt to return for his own fitness problem but He will not rush with Zirkzee set to lead the line.
There is better news about Bruno Fernandeswho played down the severity of the blow he suffered in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Scotland.
The United captain will take on his preferred role as number 10, with Marcus Rashford on the left after being left out of the England squad.
Amad Diallo, who, after winning the club's Player of the Month award, took the opportunity to impress Ivory CoastHe is expected to get the nod from the right over Alejandro Garnacho.
5
