Evans picked up what looked like a hamstring injury against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday which will probably rule him out for several weeks.

Varane came on in his place with Harry Maguire moving to left centre back and the project was less than successful as United shipped four goals during the 85 minutes they played together.

With Lisandro Martinez a long-term absentee, the only other option for tomorrow’s Premier League home match against Luton Town is Victor Lindelof. If, as expected, he comes in at LCB, Ten Hag will have to choose between Maguire and Varane at RCB. On current form, the England man could get the nod.

Despite conceding all those goals, Andre Onana has done little wrong in goal lately and will continue.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a bright spark at right back since his return from injury and should keep his place.

Diogo Dalot had been doing well at left back until a poor error where he switched off and allowed Lerager to go unchallenged to score Copenhagen’s equaliser. This may be enough for Ten Hag to recall Sergio Reguilon for the Luton game as he continues to wait for Luke Shaw’s return.

The fact that United scored three against the Danes could tell Ten Hag he has found the best formula from an attacking point of view, so we think he could stick to the same forward six.

One doubt could be whether the aging Christian Eriksen can play three 90 minute games in the space of 8 days, but with Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount both struggling to settle at United and Casemiro out until Christmas, there are few options.

Kobbie Mainoo could be included but it is unlikely he’ll start as he has not played for the first team since getting injured against Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly.

A McTominay – Eriksen – Fernandes midfield therefore almost picks itself, with the excellent Alejandro Garnacho continuing on the left and Marcus Rashford, who was sent off on Wednesday, returning on the right.

In a front three bursting with pace, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line and will be hoping to get off the mark in the Premier League after netting a brace on Wednesday, making it 5 from 4 in the Champions League.

With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for the 3pm Saturday kick-off:

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United are set to host Luton at Old Trafford on Saturday, fresh off their Champions League defeat at the hands of FC Copenhagen.

Ahead of the clash, The 1958 have revealed that there will be a protest which will start at 2 pm, an hour before kick-off.

The show of defiance against the Glazers is set to begin at the north west quadrant towards the back of the Stretford End.

PROTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

SATURDAY 2PM

NORTH WEST QUADRANT

A show of defiance against the systematic sanitation of the match going fanbase.

Glazers are consumed by GREED!

THEY DO NOT WANT US.

See you there.

The 1958#GlazersOut pic.twitter.com/nSkWatZtNa

— The 1958 (@The__1958) November 9, 2023

United fans remain unhappy about the Glazers remaining onboard as majority shareholders, even as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on a partial 25% investment into the club.

Since the Glazers announced they would be seeking strategic alternatives including a full or partial sale of United, supporters have been steadfast in their resolve that only a situation in which the American family completely part ways with the Red Devils is acceptable.

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s withdrawal left the door ajar for Sir Jim to swoop in, with his proposal of partial investment seen as the most attractive option by the Glazers.

It’s understood that the INEOS billionaire is set to be immediately granted full control of United’s sporting operations.

There are also clauses contained in his deal with the Glazers that will eventually allow the British businessman to take full control of United in the near future.

This has however done little to reassure supporters who are still unhappy that the Glazers remain in situ.

A spokesman for The 1958 told The Mirror, “We believe the last 12 months has proved beyond any doubt that the Glazers only care about one thing – cold hard cash.”

“They are not fit to be custodians of one of the world’s most iconic football institutions. But they cannot buy the love we hold for OUR club.”

“We call on supporters around the world to stand united with us, at Old Trafford on Saturday and also via our website.”

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Hojlund is returning to his home town and club and will hope to get on the scoresheet and help his new side take a vital step toward the knockout stages of the competition.

Elsewhere, the team is unchanged from the side that beat Fulham 1-0 on Saturday.

Andre Onana is in goal.

The back four is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot.

Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes are the midfield trio.

https://x.com/ManUtd/status/1722324390015082920?s=20

There are two goalkeepers on the subs’ bench, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton.

Victor Lindelof, Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane are the reserve defenders.

Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Omari Forson and Hannibal are the midfielders on the bench.

Facu Pellistri, Antony and Anthony Martial are the forwards on the subs’ bench.

The continued selection of Maguire and Evans when Varane, in particular, is fit will continue to raise eyebrows.

Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are all injured. Jadon Sancho is not training with the first team after a dispute with the manager. Donny van de Beek is not registered to play in Europe and Kobbie Mainoo was selected to play for the Under 19s in the youth fixture against the same side today, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Kick off in Copenhagen is at 8pm UK time, 9pm CET.

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Manchester United travel to Denmark this evening for their crucial Champions League group game against FC Copenhagen.

United’s qualification hopes are still in the balance after two losses from their opening two fixtures were followed up by a narrow win against tonight’s opponents, at Old Trafford.

Should Erik ten Hag’s men claim all three points this evening and Bayern Munich see off Galatasaray in Germany, United’s trip to Turkey on Matchday 5 will be the deciding fixture of their Group A campaign.

Ten Hag is well aware of the need for United to win the game this evening and despite a poor showing in the reverse fixture, will expect his men to secure the victory.

Rasmus Hojlund faces his former club and the Danish striker is likely to be United’s biggest weapon this evening.

The 20-year-old’s best moments have come in the Champions League for his new club and he will be chomping at the bit to make his mark on home soil.

Setting the electric pace of Marcus Rashford and Hojlund free should prove too much for the Danish Champions but getting the ball to the dangerous duo will be key.

With the technicality of European football suiting Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount, expect the pair to join Bruno Fernandes as the attacking trio around Rashford and Hojlund and their ability to interchange will keep Copenhagen guessing.

All can operate wide on the right, as well as in the middle and if they can dovetail successfully, United should be in for a fruitful evening.

Andre Onana, who has looked long more times than expected since his arrival will surely be tasked with popping the ball into his back four for United to eventually get their playmakers into the game.

Then it will be down to the attacking talent to interchange and combine to feed Hojlund in particular who, despite his domestic barren spell, looks like he has a goal in him in Europe.

Naturally, United will have to settle into the game and with an electric atmosphere expected in Denmark, controlling the ball from the early stages will be crucial.

United are still without the influential Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez but Harry Maguire, who has returned to form in recent weeks, and the experienced Raphael Varane should be happy enough to take the ball and look forward.

Copenhagen showed they were a threat at Old Trafford so there will be no excuse to be caught cold tonight.

If Hojlund can continue his good form in Europe, expect him to be the difference maker and ease the pressure on his boss, who has come under fire this season.

An early goal would be the perfect tonic to any nerves on a night where United simply have to win if they want to avoid an embarrassing early exit from Europe’s top competition.

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United will be looking to register another win against Jacob Neestrup’s men when they play the second-leg tie at Parken Stadium.

A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier today indicated that the likes of Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof took part in a light training session in the morning.

One player who was not spotted was Mainoo.

The Carrington academy graduate was part of United’s matchday squads against Manchester City and Fulham but did not have a taste of any minutes.

United confirmed via the club’s official website that Mainoo is fit despite him not being seen by cameras at the club’s training complex.

The Manchester Evening News relays that the highly-rated 18-year-old will play in the Youth League fixture against FC Copenhagen.

“The Manchester Evening News understands Mainoo was instead involved in training with the U19s and will play for them on Wednesday afternoon as he is eased back into action following his ankle injury.”

The Youth League game vs. FC Copenhagen kicks off just a few hours before the main event later in the evening.

It’s evident that United are gently reeling the midfielder back to action so as to ensure his injury is not aggravated.

U21s coach Travis Binnion recently revealed that the Red Devils’ plan is to make sure Mainoo is in top physical shape before being fully involved with the senior squad.

No doubt that it’s only a matter of time until Mainoo gets his chance to prove himself in Erik ten Hag’s setup.

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Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the manager also said that Harry Maguire is “ready to play” having followed all the head injury protocols following his concussion in the Fulham game.

Ten Hag was also questioned on the poor form of Antony.

“I think last week I made that remark, that break, to the rhythm. He had a very good preseason, I think he scored twice, now he has to get back in that rhythm, it will come.”

Asked what his team needed to do to improve their pressing, Ten Hag said:

“You need good formation, good constructions, composed on ball, find good solutions on the ball.

“There are times you go direct, it depends on the situation, it’s up to the players to find different solutions, the players have to make the right decisions, on the ball and movement off the ball.

“Playing with our best XI, we will have more automatisms. So far we have had to change a lot of things. The midfield balance is also not there. I’m sure once we get there, we’ll play better.”

“Even when we’re not playing well, we’re still creating chances.

One reporter raised the issue of the banner at Fulham that said “play like you mean it.” Ten Hag replied:

“The players made their efforts but there can always be more. The fans expect the highest standards and we have these high expectations. And when you’re not playing well, you still have to win.”

Ten Hag was also asked about how Rasmus Hojlund has settled in to life at Old Trafford, on and off the pitch.

“I think he integrates very good, he scored already scored 3 goals in the Champions League, it’s a very good integration period, as a team we can be better in possession, which can create more chances for our forwards to score more goals, but we have to have a stable 11.

“Social wise, he’s integrated very well in the club.

“From here on he has to take it on and improve.

“We speak with him about [understanding the goals are not yet flowing]. He’s aware of it, but of course, he wants to score goals. He’s still a young player but he’s smart and understands the situation he’s in. He wants to score goals and he’s so keen and working very hard in training.”

On the ongoing injury crisis, he said:

“Casemiro and Martinez are really strong injuries. I don’t expect them back before Christmas.”

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United’s bad performance in that game seems to have given the Danish team a lot of confidence for the return fixture.

There have been some strong quotes coming from their camp ahead of the clash in Denmark and now their manager has joined the queue in firing a shot at United.

Jacob Neestrup, the Copenhagen manager, has boldly claimed that the atmosphere at Parken (Copenhagen’s home ground) will be 100 times better than what they experienced at Old Trafford.

He said the intensity is not comparable and added that the standard is way above the Premier League.

Neestrup was quick to point out that he felt Old Trafford’s history and pedigree, particularly in the Champions League but the intensity at Parken will be different altogether.

“You can’t compare Old Trafford with Parken. Because the intensity is 100 times higher compared to where we played two weeks ago (Old Trafford).

“This is a standard, for me, way above the Premier League,” he said.

"You can’t compare Old Trafford with Parken because the intensity is times 100 in terms of what we played in two weeks ago"

Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup on the atmosphere awaiting #MUFC at Parken on Wednesday night pic.twitter.com/rutg9Qh0rq

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) November 7, 2023

Neestrup could be forgiven for thinking the atmosphere was a bit sombre at the time since United put in an extremely lethargic performance themselves.

Furthermore, the club was reeling from the news of Sir Bobby Charlton’s death so there was an air of reverence around the game that day.

Generally, Old Trafford remains one of the most raucous grounds in world football and these statements could just be Neestrup’s way of getting into United’s heads ahead of a pivotal clash.

However, if United shake off their woes and get motivated after hearing this, Neestrup and FC Copenhagen could come to regret their bold proclamations in the lead-up to the game.

The post FC Copenhagen manager fires bold warning to Manchester United ahead of Champions League clash appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Rashford of course missed United’s game vs. Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday after he suffered a heavy knock during training before the game,

Erik ten Hag told reporters that it was decided there was no need to risk the Englishman with a number of important matches coming up.

Rashford was spotted undertaking drills alongside his teammates, in what will come as a major boost to Ten Hag in terms of selection.

Marcus Rashford is there. pic.twitter.com/oXIORQVPlr

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 7, 2023

It remains to be seen whether Rashford will be fit enough to line up against Jacob Neestrup’s men at Parken Stadium.

Also present in training was Victor Lindelof. Lindelof missed the Fulham game due to illness. All signs point to the fact that he has recovered and will be in contention to feature against FC Copenhagen.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Kobbie Mainoo was not spotted at Carrington earlier today.

Mainoo was on the bench during the weekend and also made the matchday squad for the derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

The highly-rated 18-year-old is of course yet to have a taste of first-team minutes since returning from an injury picked up during the pre-season tour.

As per MEN, here is the full United training squad for Copenhagen:

Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton.

Defenders: Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon.

Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Hannibal Mejbri, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen

Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, Rasmus Hojlund, Omari Forson.

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This could mean that even though centre backs Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof might be fit and well and available, manager Erik ten Hag could retain the back four that shut Fulham out on Saturday.

This would mean playing Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at centre back and Diogo Dalot at left back.

If the concussion sustained by Maguire on Saturday rules him out then it might also cost Evans his place, as Varane and Lindelof have experience playing together and could be recalled as a unit.

Sergio Reguilon is another option at left back.

Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen also played their part in a much more compact and disciplined performance against the Londoners and should also keep their places in central midfield.

Casemiro is injured and Sofyan Amrabat has not yet hit the form expected on him when he joined from Atalanta on loan. Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are other options, but Mainoo is still completing his slow return from injury and Mount, like Amrabat, still hasn’t found his feet at Old Trafford.

Also, it should be noted that Ten Hag said at Craven Cottage “We hope that we can play for a couple of games with the same line-up … That would help the routines and that would help the performance of the team. That would definitely help you into better performances and to get better results.” (source: Manutd.com)

This could be his chance to do exactly that, although he could tweak things up front after another misfiring performance that was only rescued at the death by a superb strike from captain Bruno Fernandes.

Marcus Rashford should return after missing Saturday’s game through injury but it would be harsh for him to replace Alejandro Garnacho, who played well, while on the other wing Antony was once again very disappointing.

Not for the first time this season, then, we predict that Rashford will be brought in on the right wing with Garnacho staying wide left.

If Rashford is not yet fit enough, either Mount or the lively Facu Pellistri, who came on and contributed to the goal on Saturday, could replace the Brazilian.

Amad is back training on the grass but it is almost certainly too soon for a return for him.

Fernandes will once again play in his preferred number 10 role and Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line against his old team again.

With Andre Onana in goal, here then is our predicted line-up for the Champions League clash:

The post Predicted Man United XI vs FC Copenhagen: Antony dropped, defence unchanged appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United won the first leg by a solo goal in dramatic fashion.

FC Copenhagen were awarded a late penalty but Jordan Larsson could not put the ball into the back of the net after Andre Onana came up with an extremely clutch save.

No doubt the Superliga outfit will be keen on revenge, as alluded to by Diks when he spoke to Tipsbladet.

The 27-year-old explained that their home support will be a key factor in getting the team over the line against Erik ten Hag’s men.

When asked whether FC Copenhagen are favourites, Diks said, “We are when we have the fans behind us in the Park.”

“I am not saying that we are always favorites against them [United]. But we showed last time what we can do against them and we are in a good place. So with our game plan we can make it difficult for everyone in the Park.”

“Of course, it is not the United team that it was under Ferguson, it has been like that for a long time. They rebuild and it takes time. You can also see that in the results. This fight has a life of its own. It’s the Champions League and anything can happen.”

Diks’ remarks were echoed by his teammate, Elias Achouri who also pointed out that United are not nailed on to run out winners on Wednesday.

Achouri remarked that he was disappointed by the Red Devils’ performance at Old Trafford in the first-leg clash.

He mentioned, “We believe that we can get a result if we do the same at home as we did at Old Trafford. The game at Old Trafford was completely even. Manchester United were no better than FC Copenhagen in that match.”

“I probably expected a bit more from them, but we also know their situation. We know they have top players, so we have to respect them, but we can definitely do something.”

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