Martinez, Varane, Fernandes: Ten Hag provides welcome team news update for Newcastle and Brighton fixtures

Manchester United take to the Old Trafford turf for the final time of the 2023/2024 campaign when they host Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.

The Reds can close the gap on Eddie Howe’s side and draw level on points with a victory, although the sixth-placed Magpies do boast a much higher goal difference than United.

In terms of Erik ten Hag’s selection options, he hopes to have Lisandro Martinez back at his disposal for the first time since late March. It remains to be seen if he would make the starting 11, as the club are likely wary of his fitness status with the FA Cup final fast approaching, but an inclusion in the matchday squad would still come as a significant boost for the manager.

He told reporters this afternoon: “I think he [Martinez] will return in the squad. He has now [had] some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available. This afternoon, [if] everything goes right in the training, he will return in the squad.”

On the other hand, Ten Hag confirmed that Willy Kambwala, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will undergo late fitness tests to determine their potential involvement.

One Red prepares to say his goodbyes

Raphael Varane, who has today confirmed he will be leaving the club when his contract expires next month, is unavailable to feature on Wednesday but will be on the pitch to bid farewell to the United faithful. The boss is aiming to have him back in the squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, as well as the final on May 25.

There’d be no better way for the Frenchman to bow out than lifting the trophy in front of the thousands of travelling supporters at Wembley in his final outing as a Red.