Manchester United’s defensive problems are easing ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City as they end their Premier League campaign against Brighton today.
Erik ten Hag’s side, currently sat in eighth place and still have the chance to qualify for Europe on the final day of the season.
Casemiro and Jonny Evans have started the last three games at the heart of defence but Lisandro Martinez made his eagerly-awaited return on Wednesday night in the 3-2 win over Newcastle and could start at the AMEX Stadium this afternoon.
Raphael Varane bid goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd last night but hopes to play again in the final two games of the campaign, having returned to training this week.
Victor Lindelof also joined him back on the pitch in Carrington.
Harry Maguire is also expected to be available for the final but Sunday’s trip to Brighton will likely come too soon.
Ten Hag had been eager for Luke Shaw to get some minutes under his belt before the City game, only for the left-back to suffer a minor setback in training last week. He is not likely to be ready in time for the final next week, with ten Hag admitting he only has a ‘small chance’ of playing.
Mason Mount meanwhile suffered another setback of his own heading into last weekend’s game with Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes returned with a captain’s performance against Newcastle United on Wednesday after missing two games with Amad Diallo strengthening his case for a regular first-team role with another fine performance marked by a superb second-half goal.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford came off the bench for his first minutes since the FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City.
Anthony Martial meanwhile has returned to training with Sunday his last chance to make a final Premier League appearance before his departure this summer.
Ten Hag will provide further updates in his final Premier League press conference of the season on Friday.
Predicted Man Utd XI vs Brighton: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Martinez, Dalot, Armrabat, Mainoo, Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund, Garnacho
Brighton vs Man Utd kick-off time
With all 20 teams in action at the same time on Sunday, United’s final match of the season kicks off at 4pm BST.
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