United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Antony are set to feature in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Galatasaray in Istanbul, as both players have recovered from their respective setbacks.
Hojlund, who missed the recent 3-0 Premier League victory over Everton due to a muscular strain suffered in the previous game against Luton Town, has successfully returned to training. Similarly, Antony, who was unavailable for the Everton match due to a minor issue, has also been declared fit for the upcoming European clash.
In his pre-match press conference, United’s head coach, Erik ten Hag, confirmed the availability of both players, stating, “They are in the squad.”
Hojlund has been a significant contributor, scoring five times in the Champions League this season. However, Anthony Martial’s strong performance in the absence of Hojlund against Everton, where he won a penalty and scored, adds competition for starting positions.
Manchester United currently finds themselves in a challenging position in the Champions League group stage, having lost three out of four matches. With only three points, they are placed fourth in the group, one point behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen, making the upcoming clash crucial for their qualification hopes.
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of progressing in the competition, stating, “For us, it is really important to be in the competition, with the best clubs in Europe. It would be disappointing if we didn’t go through.”
The coach also stressed the significance of maintaining composure in a high-pressure environment, especially considering the intense atmosphere expected in Istanbul. Ten Hag acknowledged the club’s focus on winning the game and expressed confidence in handling the challenges posed by the opposition.
Despite the return of Hojlund and Antony, Manchester United will still be without several key players due to injuries, including Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, and Amad Diallo. Additionally, Marcus Rashford remains unavailable for selection due to a European suspension.
As United aims to secure a crucial victory against Galatasaray, the inclusion of Hojlund and Antony adds strength to their squad, providing valuable options for the challenging encounter.
