MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Fulham on Sunday aiming to enter the World Cup break on a high.
The Red Devils have been inconsistent so far this term, although fans will have cause for optimism if they can beat Marco Silva’s impressive side this weekend.
Erik ten Hag and Co will have a tricky task on their hands, however, having to contend with a number of absentees.
Despite the World Cup being on the horizon, the Dutchman will not let various international selections affect his line up.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s action, he said: “I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game against Fulham. I will not take the World Cup in regard.
“We play the best team – until Sunday, it is the interest of Manchester United and only the interest of Manchester United.”
David de Gea, who has missed out on Spain’s squad, will return between the sticks in place of Martin Dubravka – after the Newcastle loanee made his debut against Villa in mid-week.
Diogo Dalot will miss his first game of the season after picking up a suspension for receiving his fifth yellow card.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is fit again after recovering from a back injury, but is unlikely to be thrust in from the start having not played at all since August.
Victor Lindelof could deputise at right-back, with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in the middle of the defence.
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Raphael Varane has been picked by France manager Didier Deschamps for the World Cup, but he will not be fit this weekend.
Luke Shaw will return at left-back in place of Tyrell Malacia.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are likely to be restored to the midfield after Scott McTominay and Fred were given a run out in the League Cup.
Bruno Fernandes is likely to start in the No10 position after serving a suspension last weekend, but who begins on the flanks and up front is less clear.
With Jadon Sancho and Antony both doubts, Ten Hag could opt to play Marcus Rashford on the right and impressive teenager Alejandro Garnacho on the left.
Alternatively he could pick Anthony Elanga, or shift Fernandes wide with Donny van de Beek central.
The Dutchman will have to assess which of Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial is fit enough to start up front.
Martial made his return to the starting XI against Villa in mid-week, but may not be fit enough for two starts in four days.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, missed United’s last game through illness… but could play a part this weekend.
On his striker options, Ten Hag told club media: “I can’t guarantee that [Cristiano will be available] now, but today he was ill.
“He can recover from that, it’s not really a serious illness that takes days or weeks, so I think it’s possible that he is available for Sunday and he will be in the squad.”
Ten Hag then added: “In one hour we have training, so we will do normal stuff but we have to see.
“I think no big issues from yesterday’s game, but we have to see how players recover from illness, like Cristiano, [and] from injury, like Antony.
“Yesterday, Anthony Martial plays his first minutes from the start after Everton, so we have to see how he recovers. So we have some issues and some questions [to see] how we line up and what plan we take.”
