Manchester United have been training hard at Carrington this week as they prepare for the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla.
The Red Devils marched to Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to face the unfamiliar face of the Europa League. Man United initially took a 2-0 lead in the first leg, only to be held to a 2-2 draw. Erik ten Hag will not want to repeat those mistakes and has prepared very carefully for the march. Here are 5 highlights of the Red Devils’ latest training session.
Rashford is back
One of the highlights of Man United’s training ground will certainly be the return of top striker Marcus Rashford. He is experiencing an impressive season with 27 goals scored in all competitions. He is also a mainstay in their current Europa League campaign with six goals in eight appearances. Rashford has missed the last two games because of a thigh injury but he is expected to attend full training sessions before the trip to Spain.
Whether he is fit enough to start or only has a place on the bench, his return will be a huge motivation for the team.
Sabitzer is present
Another concern for Ten Hag against Sevilla is the fitness of Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. He scored twice in the first leg but was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up before the match against Nottingham Forest due to a warm-up injury.
Fortunately, he avoided major problems, having participated in the Reds’ most recent training session. If included, the player on loan from Bayern will certainly hope to score two more goals against Sevilla.
A push for the defense
The Reds’ defensive options now look a lot stronger with several left-backs back in training. England international Luke Shaw has been sidelined since the match against Brentford. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia missed the 2-0 win at City Ground. That forced Diogo Dalot to play at left-back, a position he did very well.
Iqbal waiting for his debut
In the context of the Red Devils have an injury crisis in recent weeks, Zidane Iqbal has continuously featured in the first team. The 19-year-old has attended the most recent training session. He is yet to appear on the pitch but will hope to be given a chance in Spain.
He is likely to be included in the tourney squad after featuring in the squad selected by Ten Hag for eight of United’s 11 Europa League matches this season.
Weghorst is determined
Man United January signing Wout Weghorst has not started a game for the Red Devils in the club’s last three outings. He seems determined to regain his place.
He showed determination during the Reds’ most recent training session and took the lead when Ten Hag gave the team some running exercises. Weghorst has only scored two goals since joining the club from Burnley and will aim to raise that number in Spain.
