Manchester United appear to have another injury crisis looming in the back line, but this time it is in central defense. Raphael Varane, who has fallen way down the center back pecking order, missed the thrilling win over Chelsea due to a “sore back.” He is a doubt for the next match, a home clash on Saturday against AFC Bournemouth.
His position group mate Victor Lindelof had to be subbed off at halftime last night. Perhaps we’ll get word on his condition tomorrow.
Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth FYIs
Kick: Sat. Dec. 9, 3pm, Old Trafford
Manchester United Material: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Bournemouth win 17% Draw 21% Manchester United 62%
PL Standing, Form Guide: Bournemouth 15th, 16 pts, WDWWL Manchester United 6th, 27 pts, WLWWW
Man United Team News
It sounds like Luke Shaw will have to continue on in central defense then at the weekend. Meanwhile manager Erik ten Hag will be without the following players due to various reasons: Casemiro (ankle issue), Lisandro Martinez (recovery from foot surgery), Christian Eriksen (knee injury recovery), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed/unspecified injury), Jadon Sancho (ostracized as a disciplinary measure), Amad Diallo (knee), Jonny Evans (thigh/hamstring muscle problem) and Mason Mount (calf injury).
United have done very well against the Premier League lower table teams this season, so one should expect that trend to continue.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.