Erik ten Hag faces another huge clash as Manchester United prepare to take on Luton Town in the Premier League.
After a midweek Champions League loss in Copenhagen on Wednesday, United are aiming to bounce back. The 4-3 defeat was a remarkable match in which United held the lead twice but struggled to cope after Marcus Rashford's red card, leaving their hopes of progressing in the competition hanging by a thread and adding more pressure on their manager, who was already under scrutiny.
United lost the game and defender Jonny Evans to injury, leaving more questions surrounding Ten Hag's starting XI for this weekend.
Injuries and off-field problems have blighted Ten Hag's plans all season and there are several first-team stars who are weeks away from a return or facing battles to regain fitness.
MORE: Who could replace Ten Hag if he is sacked by Man United?
Man United injury updates, team news
United have had hardly any luck in terms of injuries this season and they're expected to be without five players against Luton.
Ten Hag discussed Jonny Evans' availability in his pre-match press conference, confirming he would miss the game and adding: "We don't have a full assessment done, we don't have the full details so far."
Defenders Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez remain sidelined due to long-term injuries, as does winger Amad Diallo. It is anticipated that Martinez and Casemiro will not return to action until after Christmas.
There is some good news, though: teenager Kobbie Mainoo has been back in action at youth level and has made the matchday squad against Luton. The 18-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since suffering an injury in preseason.
Man United official starting XI
Harry Maguire maintains his position, having been in the starting lineup for the past seven games. He will be paired with Victor Lindelof as Raphael Varane is on the bench again.
No player has more Champions League goals after Matchday 4 than the five scored Rasmus Hojlund, although he is still in search of his first in the league for United. After a double against Copenhagen, his confidence should be sky-high and he starts.
🎙️ | Rasmus Hojlund: “I think there's a lot of things I can improve, which is, of course, a good thing because then I think I can develop into being an even greater striker than I am now.” pic.twitter.com/ZSMCCzQ5j7
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) November 10, 2023
Marcus Rashford starts and Ten Hag has backed him to return to the form he showed last season.
"I think he's not happy, we are not happy," said Ten Hag. "We have expectations, he has high expectations of himself.
"At this moment, he is not in his best form. But I know he will be back. I know when the team is playing better, he will play better, he will score goals. I am confident of that."
Ten Hag also explained why Mason Mount has been on the bench despite recovering from an injury in recent weeks.
"He had some starts... there are always reasons and sometimes, like the injury [at start of the season] and when other players are doing well, you have to wait for your time to play."
Man United starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana (GK) — Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Reguilon — Eriksen, McTominay — Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford — Hojlund.
Man United subs (12): Bayindir, Varane, Mejbri, Amrabat, Mount, Mainoo, Pellistri, Antony, Martial.
Luton Town official starting XI
Chiedozie Ogbene has shaken off a hamstring complaint to be fit for this game for the Hatters, while Jordan Clark only makes the bench.
Luton's starting lineup is unchanged from the one which began their 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Luton Town starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Kaminski (GK) — Mengi, Lockyer, Osho — Kabore, Nakamba, Barkley, Doughty — Townsend, Ogbene — Morris.
Luton Town subs (12): Krul, Berry, Adebayo, Chong, Ruddock Mpanzu, Clark, Brown, Giles, Neson.
