Manchester United’s players have been back in training this week as they look bounce back from yet another dismal showing.
The Reds’ top-four hopes are hanging by a thread following the weekend’s defeat at Everton, with that final Champions League place now sitting six points out of reach with seven games to go. United need to produce something this weekend in order to answer the growing questions around Old Trafford.
With bottom side Norwich visiting Old Trafford on Saturday, United can ill-afford another under-par showing. Ralf Rangnick were back at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of their latest outing – here’s what we spotted during their latest session.
Injuries piling up
Having already been without Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay and Edinson Cavani at Everton, United suffered another blow when Fred was forced off midway through the first half. Rangnick revealed the Brazilian had a hip flexor issue, with no timeframe yet given as to how long he might be out.
None of the five players mentioned feature in the latest batch of pictures to come from Carrington. Rangnick’s tough task isn’t getting any easier.
Pogba out of favour
Having been left out of the starting line-up at Goodison Park on Saturday, the writing looks firmly on the wall for Paul Pogba this summer, if wasn’t already. The question now is how Rangnick handles him for the remainder of the season.
Judging by the latest training pictures, he may well find himself out of favour. The midfielder donned a bib for a training game at Carrington and considering he was on the same side as Juan Mata, that doesn’t suggest he will be returning to the side anytime soon.
Rashford gets his chance
In the same training game, Marcus Rashford could be seen playing for the side without bibs. Having returned to the starting line-up against Everton, that could suggest a longer run in the side.
The academy graduate impressed early on before fading away after swapping flans with Jadon Sancho. The 24-year-old certainly needs to rediscover some form, and he might just get the opportunity to do so before the end of the season.
Hannibal edging closer?
United fans have been crying out for some of the club’s youngsters to get their chance in the side as the senior players continue to disappoint. Anthony Elanga has of course turned himself into a regular this season, and Hannibal Mejbri looks to be the next cab off the rank.
The photographer at Carrington made sure to get a couple of decent shots of the Tunisia international in training. Perhaps a sign he’s in the reckoning for Norwich?
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
