Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United’s interim manager, has provided an update on his preparations for Middlesbrough’s visit to Old Trafford.
Ralf Rangnick Delivers Update On Manchester United FA Cup Team
The Reds face the Teessiders at 20:00 GMT on Friday night, in the first of three Emirates FA Cup fourth-round fixtures scheduled for the weekend.
There is good news in the form of Paul Pogba, who is expected to make his first appearance under Ralf after recovering from injury.
“Paul will be a part of the group,” Rangnick revealed at his pre-tie press conference. “He could even play in the starting lineup.”
“A number of players are still missing out.” Edi Cavani will only be available on weekends. He contacted me a week ago and asked if he could stay at home for two more days, which I agreed to because I knew he wouldn’t be able to play in the starting XI with jet lag and only returning today or yesterday night.
“As a result, he will not be a member of the group.”
“Victor Lindelof has been sick all week and hasn’t been able to train,” the boss explained. “As a result, he’ll be out of tomorrow’s game as well.” Jesse [Lingard], for example, asked me and the club if we could give him a couple of days off just to clear his head.
“I expect him to return to the group next Monday, for training, and then to be a regular member of the entire squad again.” Eric Bailly returned to the team the other day. He’s got some issues, like a swollen ankle, so he won’t be in the team tomorrow.”
TEAM NEWS FROM BORO
Chris Wilder is expected to bring Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun into his starting lineup. Riley McGree, an Australian signing, is out due to COVID-19, while Sammy Ameobi, Darnell Fisher, and Marc Bola are all expected to miss out. Paddy McNair, a former Reds defender, is expected to start.
“I don’t want [my players] to enjoy their visit to Old Trafford,” Wilder remarked. “If they want to swap shirts, do it afterward in the locker rooms.” We don’t want to look at them with bleary eyes. They’re up against an opponent.
“I want them to perform well, to give it their all, and to make it a competitive, dangerous evening for Manchester United.”
