Big blow for United with two stars suspended for Arsenal game on Wednesday
Manchester United have suffered a huge setback with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez suspended for the Premier League clash at Arsenal on Wednesday.
The Red Devils are currently playing Everton in the league at Old Trafford, where they are leading 4-0. However, the game has already come at a cost.
Mainoo, who made his first start since his calf injury, was already on four yellow cards for the campaign. He has now picked up a fifth booking, which warrants an automatic one-game ban.
Martinez has likewise received his fifth yellow card of the season, and he is suspended for the next game.
This is a major blow for the Red Devils, considering they have a testing challenge in midweek.
United take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Ruben Amorim will have to cope without the presence of Mainoo in midfield and Martinez in central defence.
The absence of Mainoo should see Manuel Ugarte reinstated into the starting XI, but Amorim would have ideally preferred to play the United graduate alongside the Uruguayan star.
Martinez’s absence could pave the way for Luke Shaw to start on the left side of the back three.
Amorim tends to prefer a left-footed option for the role. Shaw has had minutes in the role under the Portuguese tactician, and he is a clear-cut choice to make the starting XI.
As things stand, United are four points adrift of the Champions League places, but the margin could increase if Manchester City pick up points against Liverpool.
Article written by Sri Aswin .