Manchester United are preparing for a crucial Premier League showdown with Tottenham, with fans eagerly anticipating this Old Trafford encounter and the effect it will have in the top-four race. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they will have to take on their bitter rivals without one of their best players.
As per usual, the starting eleven was unveiled one hour before kick-off. There were a few positive updates, with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the lineup after missing the Manchester Derby defeat due to injury, while David de Gea got the nod in goal despite claims he had tested positive for COVID-19.
However, one of the biggest concerns in the build-up to this tie was confirmed: Ralf Rangnick will be without influential midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese ace was nowhere to be found both in the lineup and one the bench.
As revealed by The Athletic, the former Sporting CP talent has been ruled out of this tie due to illness and is subsequently a doubt for their midweek showdown with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
That wasn't the only blow for Manchester United as the 20-time English champions were forced to leave out Scott McTominay from their squad. Here is the Red Devils squad for their crucial clash with Antonio Conte's side.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2022
Introducing your Reds to face Tottenham #MUFC | #MUNTOT
