Man United will seek to bounce back well following the international break, and Erik ten Hag may welcome back a few players
Manchester United entered the international break with an injury issue.
Erik ten Hag was without Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Raphael Varane during Arsenal’s 3-1 loss before the break. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez was sent off during the game for a challenge on Eddie Nketiah.
Sofyan Amrabat was signed too late to play at the Emirates, but he joined his national team for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before being forced to withdraw due to injury. United fans were forced to watch from the couch as the remaining fit players represented their respective countries.
However, on the injury front, things are looking up. Martinez has joined his Argentina colleagues for international duty, Amrabat’s problem does not appear to be significant, and Mount is aiming to be back in time for United’s first Champions League group stage match against Bayern Munich – and there is even some chance he could be back in time to play Brighton.
Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, made his United debut against Arsenal after arriving with a back injury. Ten Hag may have some selection considerations to make when he selects his team to face Brighton on Saturday.
The Dutchman might give Hojlund his debut. In his cameo appearance against Arsenal last Saturday, the Danish international caused plenty of issues, adding a presence that had previously been lacking his arrival and allowing Marcus Rashford to take up his natural spot on the left.
The news that Antony will take a leave of absence on Sunday means he will most likely miss the game against Brighton, and Jadon Sancho’s spat with Ten Hag could open up an opening on the right. Mount is hoping to be fit in time to play and might demonstrate his versatility by drifting in from the right. If he is not present, Facundo Pellistri may finally get his chance.
United’s midfield has been a particular source of concern, and Ten Hag may be looking to shore things up there. Morocco head coach Walid Regragui stated that Amrabat’s absence was precautionary, and the 27-year-old might make his debut against Manchester United on Saturday, providing greater stability and support for Casemiro while allowing Bruno Fernandes to create further forward.
Sergio Reguilon, who was registered to play for Arsenal but did not appear, might make his debut at the back.
Martinez did not play for Argentina on Friday, but by flying to South America, he has all but assured that he will be available to play against Brighton on Saturday. Despite Harry Maguire proved he can play 90 minutes for England against Ukraine, he will most likely partner Victor Lindelof at center-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Andre Onana likely to keep their positions.
