Manchester United sweat on Bruno Fernandes’ fitness, Ten Hag hopeful of Varane’s return

 

Manchester United are sweating on Bruno Fernandes’ fitness ahead of their Thursday clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese midfielder suffered an ankle injury during the FA Cup semifinal win (7-6 on penalties) against Brighton after 0-0 draw.

In fact, there were reports that Fernandes was to be substituted after he got injured and at half-time but he was reluctant to carry on. He was finally substituted at half-time in extra time.

Erik Ten Hag will want Fernandes to be ready for the match against Lilywhites as Red Devils have lost three out of the four matches in which the Portuguese hasn’t started this season.

After their 3-0 loss against Sevilla, defender Luke Shaw reckons it was crucial for them to pick themselves up against Brighton.

“He [Ten Hag] said that’s a team out there today and he wasn’t sure who or what was there on Thursday night but obviously that wasn’t acceptable,” Shaw said.

“I think it doesn’t put things right but it puts us in a good place to finish the season well because Champions League is a must for us and a Manchester derby now in the FA Cup final is an amazing game to be involved in.

“A massive game in the Europa League and then of course this, it will have defined our season. I think if we get knocked out of both of them, then you’re right about the season [looking different].”

On the other hand, Ten Hag is hopeful that Raphael Varane will be fit for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which will be played on 3rd June.

“I think so,” replied the manager as quoted by Manchester United official website. “Yeah. Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”

The Dutchman also showered praise on Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof.

“Victor Lindelof, it’s so great for him. He’s played his games but not as much as he probably expected. Now is his chance and he’s taken his chance because he was there.

“Luke showed composure in defending and organising, building up and he played a decent game. This is what we expected.

“For the rest of the season, some players, we have to rely on them and I talked about it all season.”