Erik ten Hag will likely have Lisandro Martínez available again on Wednesday evening. The former Ajax player has been sidelined with a calf injury since the end of March but is on the road to recovery. Additionally, Ten Hag had more good news to report from the medical team.
Ten Hag had to be creative in recent weeks due to a long list of injured players. For instance, midfielder Casemiro played as a central defender multiple times.
However, the Brazilian did not make a great impression, so Ten Hag will be pleased that central defender Martínez is returning.
"I think he'll be back with us tomorrow," Ten Hag said at the press conference ahead of the match against Newcastle United. "He has participated in several training sessions with us, and we plan to select him for tomorrow if everything goes well in training this afternoon."
Additionally, he also had good news about Varane, who announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving after this season. "He can't play tomorrow, but the plan is for him to participate in the last two matches." United finishes the league against Brighton & Hove Albion and plays the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Ten Hag couldn't say much about the fitness of Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Willy Kambwala. "We'll have to wait and see," said the former Ajax manager, who hopes Fernandes stays. The English tabloids are linking the Portuguese playmaker with a move away.
There is still a lot at stake for United in the final stage of the season. If they win the cup final, they qualify for the Europa League. If not, United must climb one more spot in the standings to secure European football for next season.
"It is a very important match," Ten Hag said about the game against Newcastle, who are in sixth place. "If you look at the standings, you know you have to win. We must do everything we can to achieve victory, and we must fight hard for it."
The pressure is mounting as United approaches the crucial final matches of the season. The potential return of key players like Martínez and Varane could provide a much-needed boost to the team's defensive stability. Martínez's comeback is particularly significant, as his absence has forced Ten Hag to make unorthodox tactical adjustments, such as deploying Casemiro in defense.
Varane's impending departure adds another layer of complexity to United's situation. The experienced defender has been a vital part of the squad, and his presence in the last two matches could be pivotal. The team will need to rally around the goal of securing European football, whether through the cup final or by improving their league position.
The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Rashford, Fernandes, and Kambwala remains a concern. Rashford has been a key attacking threat, and Fernandes' creativity and leadership are invaluable. Kambwala, although less experienced, offers depth to the squad. Ten Hag's cautious approach to their potential involvement underscores the delicate balance he must maintain in managing player health and maximizing performance.
United's clash with Newcastle is poised to be a decisive encounter. With Newcastle in sixth place, the match holds significant implications for both teams' aspirations. A victory for United would not only bolster their chances of securing a Europa League spot but also serve as a statement of intent heading into the final fixtures.
Ten Hag's rallying cry to "fight hard" reflects the determination within the squad to overcome recent challenges and end the season on a high note. The support of the fans, the return of key players, and the strategic acumen of Ten Hag will all be crucial factors as United navigates this critical period.
As the season reaches its climax, the stakes could not be higher for United. The outcome of these final matches will shape the immediate future of the club, influencing everything from player transfers to the overall morale and direction of the team. Ten Hag's leadership and the players' resilience will be tested, but with unity and focus, United aims to achieve their goals and secure their place in European competition.
