Raphael Varane could return for Manchester United against Aston Villa on Saturday in the Red Devils’ final pre-season game in Australia.
Varane was injured in training after the opening match of the tour against Liverpool in Bangkok.
Another star sidelined by injury, James Garner, could also get a chance as he resumed full training.
Garner was desperate to show his new manager Eric ten Haag what he can do on tour, but an untimely injury has put paid to that for now.
At another training open day yesterday, reporters spotted both players training despite not being included in the ‘first XI’ side in a practice match that could hint at Saturday’s starting XI.
Absent from training was Scott McTominay, who was withdrawn at half-time as United beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Tuesday.
Laurie Whitwell of Athletic reports that McTominay has been “doing some work in the gym” at the club’s hotel.
A possible starting 11 based on yesterday’s practice match would be De Gea, Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw or Malacia, Fred, Van de Beek, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford and Martial.
Judging by this 11-man warm-up training session, it looks like outfield selection will come from Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Fred, Van de Beek, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford, Martial.
McTominay works out in the hotel gym.
Varane + Garner both train here. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dCyPHl8CKt
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 21, 2022
After Saturday, United have just two more pre-season warm-up games, against Atletico Madrid in Oslo and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on July 30 and 31 respectively.
The fact that the games fall on consecutive days means that it is highly unlikely that the same teams will start both games.
European friendlies could offer United fans their first glimpse of new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen. It will be interesting to see, with Martinez in charge and Varane in form, who Ten Hag look to partner at centre-back for the new season, which begins against Brighton in just over two weeks’ time on August 7.
United Matchday Magazine – The online football programmeUnited vs Aston Villa Matchday Magazine brings you:
- The entire build of the game
- Original features written by top writers
- Smart reporting of the latest transfer stories
- Latest news, opinion, quizzes and humor
- Click for a free preview or get yours for just £1.25/$1.50
- Use discount code VILLA40PCOFFER to get 40% off a season pass
Add Comment