By Betsefy
Manchester United are set to be without key centre-back Raphael Varane for Thursday’s Europa League Group E clash with Omonia in Cyprus.
The World Cup winner lasted 40 minutes of the weekend’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City before coming off with an ankle issue, although it is not thought to be as serious as first feared.
Nevertheless, Varane is expected to take up a spot in the infirmary for this game, where he will be joined by Harry Maguire, whose hamstring injury is yet to fully heal.
Martin Dubravka and Donny van de Beek are also doubts for the journey to Cyprus, so Erik ten Hag should call upon David de Gea to act as the last line of defence once again.
Victor Lindelof can expect to link arms with Lisandro Martinez at the back in the wake of Varane’s injury, while Luke Shaw replaced Tyrell Malacia at half time at the Etihad and could now be drafted in from the off.
Ten Hag has affirmed that Casemiro will find his way into the starting lineup one way or another, and the ex-Real Madrid man should be in with a strong chance of taking Scott McTominay‘s place alongside Christian Eriksen.
Antony and Bruno Fernandes will expect to hold their places, but Anthony Elanga is an option for change over Jadon Sancho, and Ten Hag is facing another quandary in the final third.
Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench out of “respect” against Man City, according to Ten Hag, and Anthony Martial may be given the nod after coming up with a late brace in that derby defeat.
Man United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Elanga; Martial
