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Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez will be in the Man United squad for of tomorrow night’s last home league game of the season against Newcastle United.
Addressing the media at the pre-match press conference, Ten Hag said:
“I think he will return to the squad. He’s done some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available. If this afternoon everything goes right in training, he will return to the squad.”
The manager also said that “we have to see” whether Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Willy Kambwala will be “fit enough”.
He also said Raphael Varane won’t play but could be back vs Brighton on Sunday.
“We are planning, definitely, for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game,” the boss explained.
A question was then put to Ten Hag about Rasmus Hojlund’s poor recent form.
“When we decided to go for him we buy a player for this season and the future,” he said.
“He has to develop, he has to progress, he needs time, sometimes it goes up and down.
“Before winter he struggled to get his first Premier League goal but he is a very strong character. I am more confident, he’s close.
“Last season we had a goalscorer with 30. We add one extra striker to the squad and on financial resources more was not possible. We were quite confident when you are third and reach two finals, when you add a striker the transfer policy is right.”
Ten Hag was asked to comment on the speculation that Bruno Fernandes might be leaving the club. The captain has been linked with two Saudi Arabian clubs as well as Bayern Munich.
“It’s the same question as last week,” he replied, “so I answered. The same answer.
“Now in all the years he was, he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the Premier League. So many assists, so many goals. It’s clear he’s a very important player for us.”
Turning his attentions to tomorrow’s opponents, Ten Hag insisted that despite United’s lowly league position, victory over Newcastle was still important.
“It’s a very important game. You get the ranking, so it’s very important to get the win. We have to do everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it,” he said.
The match tomorrow kicks off at 8pm at Old Trafford. Scuba gear recommended for fans in the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.
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