Erik ten Hag has confirmed an injury has ruled Harry Maguire out of Sunday's match with Leicester City.
Manchester United return to Premier League action off the back of their thrilling draw with Barcelona on Thursday looking to close the gap on second-place Manchester City in the title race. It's the start of a big week for United with the second leg against Barca and the Carabao Cup final to come in the next seven days.
With that in mind, Erik ten Hag has made five changes to his starting XI with Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and the suspended Casemiro all making way. Captain Maguire would have been a prime candidate to take Varane's place in the heart of defence but Victor Lindelof has started instead.
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That's because Maguire has picked up a knee injury that isn't thought to be too serious but has ruled him out for the match against his former club. "Harry is injured," Ten Hag said to Sky Sports when explaining his selection.
"You have to keep everyone fresh but also look to the opponent tactical wise what can you do, where can you beat them. so that approach every time you try and make the best selection."
One player who has continued to keep his spot in the starting XI is Wout Weghorst and Ten Hag also explained what he believes the striker brings to his side. He continued: "First we have not many opportunities in the front line but I think he brings a lot to the team.
"From the moment he came, the attacking line is more dynamic and even better at pressing. So I think we improved our game from the moment he came in."
Given the form of James Maddison, the loss of Casemiro - who is serving the final match of his three-game ban - could be keenly felt but Ten Hag believes his team can still perform without their linchpin.
"He's not available so don't give attention to that we have to go with the players available," he added. "We know we can play a good game like last week against Leeds without him and that's what we need to do today as well."
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