Erik ten Hag: Andre Onana Ready for Everton, Rasmus Hojlund’s Fitness in Question
In the world of football, the buzz is all about Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Everton, and it’s not just because of the fierce competition on the field. United manager Erik ten Hag has provided some insights into the team’s fitness ahead of the game.
First up, the big news is that goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to make his return to the pitch. Onana, who made a high-profile move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan for a hefty £47.2 million in July, had a scare when he was injured during Cameroon’s 3-0 victory over Mauritius in a World Cup qualifier last week. However, the good news is that Onana has been training and is expected to be available for the showdown with Everton. In Ten Hag’s words, “Andre is OK. He stepped in during training, so he is good.” That should bring some relief to United fans who rely on Onana’s goalkeeping prowess.
Moving on to defensive matters, left-back Luke Shaw is also making a comeback. Shaw had been sidelined with a thigh muscle injury since August, but he’s now ready to rejoin the squad. Ten Hag emphasized Shaw’s importance, not just for his physical abilities but also for his leadership on the field. He noted, “It’s clear, a long time in the season we didn’t have a left full-back so yes, we’re very happy he’s back. That’s a good sign and he will help us [to be] more stable.”
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for United. Striker Rasmus Hojlund’s fitness remains uncertain. Hojlund suffered a muscle strain during United’s 1-0 win over Luton on November 11. While he’s been training and making progress, a final decision on his availability for the Everton clash will be made closer to the match.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the rumored tension between Ten Hag and French center-back Raphael Varane. Reports had suggested that Ten Hag’s preference for Jonny Evans over Varane in the Manchester derby had caused friction between the two. However, the United boss swiftly dismissed these claims, stating, “I don’t know what you’re talking about [with] these rumours. He’s a very important player, but there’s internal competition, and that [is how it] should be at a top club as we are. When you have to decide on two players who do brilliant – Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, you have to make a choice for the position.”
So, with Onana and Shaw set to return, and Hojlund’s fitness still up in the air, Manchester United fans can look forward to an intriguing match against Everton. And as for the rumors, it seems there’s no real rift between the manager and his star players, just the natural competition that comes with being at a top club. Stay tuned for more updates as the big game approaches!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Manchester United’s Team Update
Q: Is Andre Onana fit to play in Manchester United’s upcoming match against Everton?
A: Yes, Andre Onana is expected to be fit for the match against Everton. He had suffered an injury while playing for Cameroon but has since been training and is deemed ready to return to action.
Q: What’s the status of Luke Shaw’s injury?
A: Luke Shaw has recovered from his thigh muscle injury and is set to make his comeback for Manchester United. His return is seen as a positive development for the team, providing stability in the left-back position.
Q: Will Rasmus Hojlund be available for the Everton clash?
A: Rasmus Hojlund’s fitness remains uncertain. He had suffered a muscle strain in a previous match, and while he’s been training and making progress, a final decision on his availability for the Everton match will be made closer to the game.
Q: Were there any issues between Erik ten Hag and Raphael Varane?
A: Erik ten Hag denied any tensions between himself and Raphael Varane. Reports of a fallout stemmed from Ten Hag’s decision to select Jonny Evans over Varane in a recent match. Ten Hag emphasized that internal competition is normal at a top club like Manchester United and that there was no issue between him and Varane.
More about Manchester United’s Team Update
- Manchester United official website
- Andre Onana’s transfer to Manchester United
- Luke Shaw’s injury update
- Rasmus Hojlund’s injury
- Erik ten Hag and Raphael Varane rumors
1 comment
Onana and Shaw back, Hojlund? Maybe? Ten Hag no problem with Varane! Bring on Everton!