Manchester United predicted line-up vs. Luton Town: three major changes as £85m man returns

It's been a mixed week for Manchester United. After squeezing past Fulham courtesy of a stoppage time winner from Bruno Fernandes last Saturday, Erik ten Hag's men suffered a shock 4-3 defeat against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday evening to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.

As such, a return to winning ways would be greatly appreciated this weekend, and the hope will be that a struggling Luton Town will put up relatively little resistance when the two sides meet on Saturday afternoon.

For their part, the Hatters sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone, but did record an admirable 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Kenilworth Road last time out. And how will they line up against the Red Devils at Old Trafford? We've taken a look at both sides' respective team news below...

Manchester United Team News

United continue to be plagued by defensive absences. While Raphael Varane has returned to action, the likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez are all still sidelined. Of that trio, Shaw is understood to be the closest to making a return to full fitness, but neither Malacia or Martinez are expected to feature before the turn of the year.

Further forward, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is expected to be out for a an extended period after sustaining a hamstring injury during the recent Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United. A club statement on the matter read: 'Casemiro will be out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered during our Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday.'

Elsewhere, United's only real concerns are Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo. Both prospects suffered injuries during pre-season, and both are said to be closing in on comebacks. Amad has been pictured on the grass at Carrington in recent days, while Mainoo featured in a reserve team fixture against Salford City last week.

Marcus Rashford's suspension as a result of his red card in Copenhagen on Wednesday will not apply to domestic competition, and he should, therefore, be available to start.

Manchester United Predicted XI

Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot; Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund.

Luton Town Team News

Luton Town have their own spate of injury issues to deal with at the moment, and could be without a number of first team figures on Saturday afternoon. At the back, Mads Andersen, Reece Burke, and Dan Potts remain absent, while Amari'i Bell is still a doubt due to a hamstring tweak.

Elsewhere, Albert Sambi Lokinga is sidelined with a thigh problem, but there is better news regarding Jordan Clark, who returned to the bench against Liverpool last week. Following his goal-scoring exploits against the Reds, former United academy star Tahith Chong could be handed a starting role against his old club. Teden Mengi, another one-time Red Devil, is almost certain to be in contention for a starting berth too - especially given the Hatters' ongoing defensive worries.

Luton Town Predicted XI

Thomas Kaminski; Teden Mengi, Tom Lockyear, Gabriel Osho; Issa Kabore, Marvelous Nakamba, Ross Barkley, Alfie Doughty; Andros Townsend, Carlton Morris, Tahith Chong.