Erik ten Hag has issued an update on the squad’s fitness ahead of Manchester United’s Old Trafford clash against Arsenal.
The Premier League fixture is due to take place on Sunday, and in his pre-match press conference held on Thursday evening, Ten Hag has explained fitness updates and availability of various players.
The match could also see a debut for new signing Antony and a first start for Casemiro.
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Speaking first on Anthony Martial, Ten Hag confirmed that the Frenchman will not be fit to face the Gunners.
“Anthony Martial will not be available for Sunday,” the manager explained.
When pressed further on if he knows when Martial will be back for the side, he further commented: “I cannot tell at this moment.”
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Two players who were out of the Leicester City fixture with “minor complaints” according to the Dutchman were fullback pairing Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“It's difficult to say when I talk about Luke Shaw and Aaron,” was Ten Hag’s response when questioned on the fitness of the two players.
One man who many are speculating will make his debut against Arsenal is Manchester United’s new Brazilian winger, Antony.
After the completion of a deal for £85 million was confirmed on Thursday morning, it was revealed that although the winger wouldn’t be able to play against Leicester as he was not registered in time, he was registered within the window to make him available for selection against Arsenal.
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When Antony’s was mentioned by the press, Ten Hag outlined how training will work for the next few days and explained when he will make his decision on Antony’s debut.
“Today he did his first training, individual,” he revealed. “Tomorrow we have a team session and on Saturday we have a team session. I'll think about it and we'll take a decision.”
Another man who may be in line to make his first start for the Red Devils is £60 million acquisition from Real Madrid, Casemiro.
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“Casemiro is an option but I also have to think over (it),” Ten Hag said when asked if the Brazilian midfielder is able to start on Sunday.
Casemiro was one of three substitutions to take place against Leicester on Thursday, with Fred and Cristiano Ronaldo being the other two.
“Today, the subs who came on did really well,” Ten Hag said about the trio. “I'm happy with that and that's what we have to construct further.”
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Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table having won every fixture so far, and with Manchester United now climbing from last to fifth in the league over the last fortnight, the fixture is lining up to become an exciting one.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Antony, Anthony Martial, Casemiro, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fred
Dylan Penketh