Manchester United are back in action Saturday, with a very quick turnaround after their 1-0 win at Benfica in UEFA Champions League action. They will travel to newly promoted Huddersfield Town A.F.C. as heavy favorites, but also with a very long injury list.
Let’s get straight into it, and run through the compilation of walking wounded at we approach the contest at the St. John’s Stadium.
Paul Pogba remains out as he continues rehabilitation on the hamstring injury which has kept him out six weeks and counting.
His midfield mate Marouane Fellaini is also likely not going to see any action due to the knee injury he suffered while on international duty. Sticking in the midfield, Michael Carrick will most likely not see his first action of the season in this one, as he still has calf issues.
Defender Phil Jones was not match fit enough (it was thought that he would be) to face Benfica should be ready to go against Huddersfield. Elsewhere in the back line, Eric Bailly is not expected to be in contention. Then there’s Marcus Rashford who limped off the pitch in the 76′ last night with a knee problem, but he’s fine, and he’ll be available according to manager Jose Mourinho’s press conference on Friday (video available here at link).
Also, Rashford is up for Champions League Player of the week. Go here to vote.
Mourinho added that he will have the same players available tomorrow that he did against Benfica, so apparently, no one listed above is likely returning to action.
Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain on the sidelines after ACL injuries suffered in April.
Here’s a link to what Mourinho said about Pogba and Ibrahimovic today.
Jose Mourinho preview press conference: go to this link
The Sports Bank’s Man United Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Prediction: United 2, Huddersfield Town 0
Even with all the injuries, the richest club in the world will still easily handle the British top flight newbies. As always, feel free to post your own score prediction, and starting XI prediction in the comments section.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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