Weekly football roundup – Manchester United’s final scramble

Manchester United’s up-hill batter is set to get more challenging – the crucial pillar in defense Lisandro Martinez will miss the rest of the season due to a right foot injury that will require surgery.

 

Raphael Varane is likely to return in a few weeks after colliding with his own foot during the Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie at Old Trafford. 

 

They will join top scorer Marcus Rashford in missing the weekend trip to Nottingham Forest. United might bring back Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay as they prepare for a frantic finale to the season.

 

The trip to the City Ground is followed by the second leg in Sevilla next week and an FA Cup semi-final against Brighton. United is presently fourth in the rankings, three points ahead of Tottenham with a game in hand and two points behind Newcastle on goal difference.

 

“ We have very good replacements with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Luke Shaw, “ manager Erik ten Hag stated, according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian.” We have players who can replace them but, of course, it is a miss”

 

The Red Devils have a minimum of 11 games left in the season, with an FA Cup Semifinal against Brighton & Hove Albion on April 23.