Wan-Bissaka absence explained
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was absent from Manchester United's matchday squad at St James' Park on Sunday due to illness.
The right-back played well against Sunday's opponents, Newcastle United, in our 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory at Wembley in February.
Aaron was introduced for Diogo Dalot - our starter on Tyneside - at half-time of that game and helped shut down Eddie Howe's side and secure a first trophy for United under Erik ten Hag. The Reds had tomake do without our no.29 in the north-east though.
Ten Hag's pre-match interview
Erik ten Hag explains United's starting XI and reiterates his message to his side...
“Yesterday, in the night he didn’t feel very good,” the manager told MUTV’s Stewart Gardner prior to the clash between the top-four hopefuls.
“Overnight it got worse so therefore we made the decision that he stays out. So it’s illness.”
Dalot for Wan-Bissaka was one of three changes Ten Hag made to the XI which beat Fulham prior to the international break.
Raphael Varane returned from injury to replace Harry Maguire, while Antony came in for Jadon Sancho on the right flank. Maguire and Sancho were among the substitutes.
Casemiro is, of course, still suspended, while Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho are still recovering from injury.
Anthony Martial returned to the matchday squad for the first time in two months and was introduced for Wout Weghorst in the 62nd minute.