Manchester United had to huff and puff their way to a 2-0 victory over Burnley as domestic football resumed after the World Cup break.
The triumph was made more difficult by United’s first-choice center-back combination of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane not being present.
To make matters worse, their club captain and third-choice defender Harry Maguire called in sick and had to be replaced, forcing coach Erik ten Hag to start midfielder Casemiro in defense.
Even while that particular experiment was ultimately successful, the Premier League is not going to be so understanding.
United’s defensive crisis
The Brazilian must play in midfield for the Dutchman’s team to avoid being overwhelmed by quality Premier League competition.
In a statement to the club media, the former Ajax coach said that Maguire has recovered from his sickness and participated in team practice on Monday.
It will be interesting to see whether his level of fitness allows him to start Tuesday’s game alongside Victor Lindelof.
The manager said, “We had some issues with illness, like Harry Maguire, but he was back on the training field today so I’m glad with that.
The Dutch manager would have had to select between Casemiro and Scott McTominay as the starting defenders, which Nottingham Forest would have undoubtedly sought absent Maguire’s return.
The former Ajax manager also mentioned that World Cup champion Martinez and semifinalist Varane have yet to return from their World Cup activities, but he is optimistic that they will do so soon.
Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez are not there (back at United), but we anticipate their return [soon]
Can Maguire’s comeback motivate United?
All of United’s World Cup players are likely to play against Nottingham Forest, with the exception of the defensive tandem.
Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Antony, goal scoring duo Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford, as well as goal scoring rookie Facundo Pellistri, all played against Burnley in the EFL Cup last week.
“I’m in a nice mood. The World Cup players are back, reintegrating, and you can sense their excitement.
“[They] made enormous impressions there [in Qatar], but now they are back, and their excitement is palpable.
“They are anticipating the Premier League’s relaunch.”
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