Man United needs to solve a number of concerns this week in order to prepare for their match against Brighton on Saturday.
Manchester United has had a variety of issues since their 3-1 loss to Arsenal over the international break, so it hasn’t exactly been calm.
In addition to the loss and concerns about injuries, Jadon Sancho’s public denial of Erik ten Hag’s training claims has at least created a stir among the fan base. The winger is still a United player even if the Saudi window has now closed.
The charges of violence against him against women, all of which he rejects, are delaying Antony’s return from the international break. Last Monday, he was discharged from the Brazil national team.
After a shaky start, United will be eager to get back onto the field. The Reds are 11th in the Premier League standings with just six points from their first four games.
In the first game back, against Brighton, a strong performance is required. Before Saturday, here is how Ten Hag’s ideal week would unfold.
Sancho decision
This sticky problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible, right or wrong. Sancho is still an employee of United and is under his manager’s control.
The winger is undoubtedly a superb football player, as evidenced by his time in Germany, and he is still extremely useful. In the best case scenario, Sancho and Ten Hag resolve their problems in private as Sancho concentrates on his training in preparation for his team’s match against Brighton.
How improbable is that? Ten Hag apparently stands by his press conference remarks, while Sancho has placed his social media statement to the top of his profile, according to MEN Sport.
Injury boosts from Amrabat, Hojlund, and others
Due to the foot injury that forced him off against Arsenal, Lisandro Martinez missed Argentina’s opening game of the break against Bolivia. He is now back in full training with Argentina. After making his United debut following his back injury, Rasmus Hojlund has made two spot-starting appearances for Denmark
Sofyan Amrabat’s state is less clear. He left the Morocco team out of caution due to an unidentified problem. That at least prevents any additional harm from occurring.
The best result is that United allows Amrabat to play against Brighton after his last-minute move.
As he becomes acquainted with his new teammates and the United style this week, that would probably come from the bench nonetheless. Any absence of more than two games would be annoying, especially with the Champions League starting the following week.
Six becomes nine points.
After a break, the sleek and magnificent Seagulls are the one team you want to avoid playing. The following Thursday, Brighton, who currently have nine points, will begin their thrilling European tour, so one eye may be on AEK Athens in the Europa League.
Last season, they handed United a loss on the first day, so this weekend’s match presents an opportunity for the Reds to demonstrate their improvement under Ten Hag.
United will try to exact revenge on the south-coasters with the help of players making their recovery from injuries and the anxiety of suffering another defeat. As Hojlund makes his Old Trafford debut, perhaps supporters will witness him start and score.
