Manchester United has three serious injury concerns ahead of the second leg of their Europa League knockout match against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, will have a difficult time selecting a team for Thursday’s second leg of their Europa League match against Barcelona.
United go into the tie at Old Trafford full of confidence after drawing the first leg in Spain 2-2 last week.
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Last Sunday’s 3-0 thrashing of Leicester in the Premier League was a continuation of their recent success, but Ten Hag will be without a few important players for the Barca match.
Harry Maguire, Antony, and Anthony Martial will all miss the critical game due to injuries.
Harry Maguire
Maguire who missed the Leicester game due to a knee injury, was an unused substitute in Barcelona.
“Injured,” Ten Hag told MUTV before the Leicester game about Maguire’s absence.
“I don’t think [it’s serious] but we have to wait and see how it will develop.”
The club captain has had a difficult season at United considering Ten Hag preferred Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, while Luke Shaw has also been added as a centre-back.
Antony
A muscle issue has kept the Brazilian out of the last four games.
Antony’s issue was not thought to be serious, but Ten Hag is frustrated by his absence since he needs as many players as possible for a demanding stretch that includes Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
Antony Martial
Martial has been out since he scored in the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final on February 1 due to a hip injury.
The Frenchman’s inconsistent season has only allowed him to play 749 minutes in all competitions, which is less than Wout Weghorst, a January signing.
The good news for Ten Hag is that Scott McTominay made his injury comeback against Leicester in the second half.
The Scotland international might make his Barcelona debut while Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer, who were suspended for the first leg against Barcelona will be eligible again.
Casemiro will start at Old Trafford despite missing the last three Premier League games since his three-match suspension has already been served and does not apply to the Europa League.
Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are ong-term absentees which are also ineligible for the game.
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