Ten Haag gives update on opening match
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has provided an update on his plans for our Premier League opening-weekend clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
New signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez are in the frame for their full United debuts, after being given minutes during our double-header of friendlies with Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.
Eriksen took part in both fixtures, while Martinez impressed during his hour on the field versus Rayo.
“I think they are fit enough to start,” Erik told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
Anthony Martial will be unavailable for the weekend with a minor issue, although Erik hopes he can return soon.
“It is always difficult to say with these injuries, but hopefully not too long.”
Cristano Ronaldo managed 45 minutes against Rayo last Sunday in his first appearance of pre-season and could be in line to play, given Martial’s absence.
Luke Shaw missed out on last weekend’s friendlies but the left-back was pictured training at Carrington this week and will be hoping to get the nod ahead of new signing Tyrell Malacia, who has impressed in a red shirt so far.
TEN HAAG AND BRIGHTON’S TEAM NEWS
Brighton have added Chelsea defender Levi Colwill to their squad, with the 19-year-old joining on loan for the season. Full-back Marc Cucurella has gone the other way on a permanent transfer, while Shane Duffy also makes a move to west London, having joined Fulham on a temporary basis.
Michal Karbownik was loaned to Fortuna Dusseldorf on Thursday, following the likes of Yves Bissouma, who joined Tottenham, in moving out of the club.
Alexis Mac Allister is a doubt but Jakub Moder is definitely still sidelined.
New signing Julio Enciso, an exciting Paraguayan teenager, could make his first competitive appearance, after arriving from Libertad.