Manchester United receive potential triple injury boost | OneFootball

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Football FanCast

·5 December 2021

Manchester United receive potential triple injury boost

Article image:Manchester United receive potential triple injury boost

Manchester United have received a potential triple injury boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford this afternoon.

What’s the word?

New interim manager Ralf Rangnick is set to take charge of his first game in the Red Devils’ dugout when the Eagles visit today.


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The German will be desperate to kickstart his reign with a positive result, and he could be aided in his mission to do just that by the return of influential trio Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Nemanja Matic.

While Rangnick’s first press conference on Friday was dominated by his long-term vision, former boss Michael Carrick provided fitness updates on Wednesday.

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“We’re just being careful with Luke, assessing day by day. Hopefully, he won’t be too far away,” the 40-year-old said, before going on to assess Wan-Bissaka and Matic.

“Touch and go. (Callum) Hudson-Odoi stood on his hand (last Sunday), so he’s in a fair bit of pain. Nemanja has picked up a little niggle. He’s felt his hamstring, so he’s out.”

A recent report from Manchester Evening News suggested that all three could return to action for today’s intriguing clash with Palace.

Ralf Rangnick will be delighted

The reports that Shaw, Wan-Bissaka and Matic may all be able to feature today after missing out on the midweek clash with Arsenal will leave Rangnick feeling delighted, given their importance to the side.

Although the two full-backs have failed to consistently find their best form this season, they have remained the Red Devils’ first-choice options, and their underlying numbers indicate why.

As per WhoScored, Wan-Bissaka has averaged 2.2 tackles per league game this season, placing him second amongst his teammates, while also producing 1.3 interceptions, more than any of his colleagues.

Meanwhile, the more attack-minded Shaw has made 1.9 key passes, more than any United player bar Bruno Fernandes, and tops the crossing charts with 1.7.

The experience of Matic could also be hugely beneficial if the 33-year-old is able to return to the matchday squad, giving Rangnick the best possible chance of securing all three points.

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