Erik ten Hag provides team news ahead of Manchester derby

Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane are fit to face Man City on Sunday.

Manchester United do not expect Harry Maguire to return in time for this weekend’s Manchester derby, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Reds travel to the Etihad to face Premier League chasing Man City, and Erik ten Hag knows his side are clinging onto the race for a top four finish.

Maguire missed United’s midweek win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth-round.

Meanwhile, Fernandes and Varane are both available despite being doubts to face Forest during the week. They both played and they’re expected to start against City on Sunday.

Ten Hag provided some team news at his press conference on Thursday afternoon.

“They fought to be part and they came well out of the game so I think they will be available for Sunday as well,” Ten Hag said, as per the MEN. “I don’t think players will return so we do it with the squad from yesterday (at Forest).”

The Reds are currently eight points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth place. Ten Hag was asked whether the derby against City would be a defining match for the rest of the season.

He added: “No. Because there are many more games to play. We are in the FA Cup in a great game, after City come many more games, and we know we have to catch up, but there are also more games to catch up and get in the right position.”

When asked about City, Ten Hag continued: “They are a good team. They are more good teams. They last in the last season everything. That is the challenge. Liverpool also have a good team. We like challenges.”

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