Anthony Martial wanted by West Ham United Man United
Anthony Martial Man United

Man United will face Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday and manager Erik ten Hag will have to name a starting line up without some very important players.

The first and most obvious miss will be defender Lisandro Martinez who is unavailable for the first leg due to a suspension. The Argentine has been the backbone of United’s defence this season so his absence will be a big blow for the away side.

Whenever Martinez is not playing, it’s Luke Shaw who has acted as the left-sided centre-back and there’s a big chance that the England international is going to partner Varane once again.

The other player who is suspended is Marcel Sabitzer and this is also a bit of an issue because Eriksen and Van de Beek are both long-term injury absentees.

Scott McTominay is out with a knock and the Man United boss has hinted that he along with Anthony Martial and Antony might not be fit in time.

“I can’t say for 100 per cent, but I don’t expect it[for these three to be fit],” ETH said(h/t Fotmob).

Antony and McTominay have minor knocks so there’s still an outside chance that they could be ready to be in the matchday squad but we doubt if Martial is going to be fully fit.

The absence of McTominay will very badly diminish United’s midfield options because after Casemiro and Fred, Ten Hag has Zidane Iqbal as the backup.

The attacking department is sorted for Man United because they have players like Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Pellistri and Anthony Elanga.

If Antony is missing then Garnacho and Sancho will be fighting for a single position in the final third. Rashford has dibs on the left wing so the right wing will be up for grabs for Thursday night.

List of absentees and injuries for Man United vs Barca:

Marcel Sabitzer – Suspended.

Lisandro Martinez – Suspended.

McTominay – Knock – Late fitness test.

Antony – Knock – Late fitness test.

Martial – Hip injury – Not likely to be fit.

Christian Eriksen – Ankle injury – Unavailable.

Van de Beek – Knee injury – Unavailable.