Manchester United predicted line-up vs. Sheffield United – three changes expected as £34m defender returns

Manchester United are back in action on Saturday evening when they visit Bramall Lane, and could be boosted by the return of key players as they look to build on their last-gasp win over Brentford just before the international break.

Erik ten Hag’s defence has been winnowed down by a series of serious injuries in recent months, but there have been positive updates on several starters – although the squad didn’t come through the international break entirely unscathed.

We’ve rounded up all the latest team news and injury updates ahead of the game against Sheffield United and suggested a likely starting XI, with further updates to come when Ten Hag speak to the media in his pre-match press conference around midday on Friday.

Goalkeeper & Defence

There is finally some good news for United fans when it comes to defenders – firstly, French international Raphaël Varane is thought to have recovered from an injury which has kept him out of the game against Brentford and should be fit to start in Sheffield. Sergio Reguilón is also likely to be available after missing the last three games with an unspecified illness.

That could be important for United as summer signing Sofyan Amrabat, who has filled in at left-back in the absence of the Spaniard as well as long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, withdrew from the Morocco squad last weekend with an unknown injury. No further updates on his condition have been provided since, but he must go down as a doubt.

Victor Lindelöf, who was forced off against Brentford with twenty minutes to play, should also be ready to play – he was fit to start for Sweden in their game against Belgium, which was abandoned in the second half following the murders of two Swedish supporters in Brussels. Shaw, Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Lisandro Martínez all remain out.

Midfield

Apart from the injury to Amrabat, there may also be a question mark over Casemiro’s fitness after he limped off during Brazil’s match against Venezuela – he was, however, able to play the full 90 minutes against Uruguay a few days later, meaning he is more than likely ready for action.

Youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who picked up an ankle injury in pre-season which has prevented him from participating so far, is on the road to recovery at last, but is likely a couple of weeks away from taking a place in the matchday squad. There are no other fitness concerns, so the big question is whether Scott McTominay, who scored the two late goals which allowed United to overcome Brentford a fortnight ago, will earn a starting spot.

Forwards

United’s senior starters are all fit and ready to go, with 21-year-old Amad Diallo the only absentee – no return date has been set for the Ivorian wide forward as he battles back from a knee problem, although he has posted some positive updates about his progress on his social media accounts.

Antony, who came on as a second-half substitute against Brentford, should be available to start after United decided to make him available for selection despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of assault. He was not called up to the Brazil squad for the past week’s matches.

Full Manchester United predicted line-up vs. Sheffield United

Onana; Reguilón, Varane, Lindelöf, Dalot; Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes; Rashford, Højlund, Antony.