Erik ten Hag

Early team news for Luton v United

Wednesday 14 February 2024 14:02

Manchester United are looking ahead to a first league fixture at Kenilworth Road in 32 years, with Erik ten Hag's side travelling to Luton as one of the Premier League's in-form teams.

Unbeaten in all competitions in 2024, the Reds have won each of our last three games in the division, including dramatic late away wins at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

Rob Edwards' side are next up as we look to continue the momentum and chase Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the race for a Champions League spot.

Ten Hag has benefited from a settled side in recent weeks, although Lisandro Martinez was absent at Villa Park as he rehabilitates from a knee injury that is expected to keep him out until the end of next month.

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We suffered another defensive injury blow in the West Midlands at the weekend, with Luke Shaw departing the pitch at half-time and being replaced by Victor Lindelof.

An update on the England international could be delivered when Ten Hag holds his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, but the manager suggested Sunday's substitution was pre-emptive.

"It was a precaution. He mentioned some complaints and we can't take a risk, especially not with Luke Shaw, because he has had many injuries in the past," he said.

"We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days."

Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all missed the Villa match due to injury, with the latter thought to be closest to a return.

Wan-Bissaka's last involvement came a month ago, in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, but the right-back was training again last week.

Sofyan Amrabat made a first appearance since December when coming on as an injury-time substitute against the Villans, following his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations.

LUTON TEAM NEWS

Mads Andersen, Tom Lockyer and Marvelous Nakamba are all unavailable for our hosts, but new signing Daiki Hashioka could be in line for a debut, if passed fit.

The Hatters were beaten 3-1 by Sheffield United in their last home outing, their first defeat of the new year.

Two former United players were in Luton's matchday squad - midfielder Tahith Chong came off the bench to play the last 37 minutes, while defender Teden Mengi was an unused substitute. Both will hope to face their ex-employers on Sunday.

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