Erik Ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford has been an eventful but ultimately fairly successful one. Following a convincing 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest yesterday (April 16), the Red Devil’s are in a strong position to finish in the top four, sitting six points clear of fifth places Tottenham.
The club also won their first trophy in six years, when they beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup final back in February.
United are still in the hunt to add two more trophies to their end-of-season collection. Before facing Brighton, they travel to Spain to face Sevilla on Thursday night (April 20) in the second leg of the Europa League quarter final, with the score finally poised at 2-2.
Following that game, they travel to the home of football for the second time this year to play Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the FA Cup semi final.
Four home 3-1 victories against Everton, Reading, West Ham and Fulham have got United to this stage, to face the team that handed ten Hag is first defeat as Manchester United manager, in his inaugural game in charge of the club back in August 2022.
United, third in the Premier League table, will go into the game as favourites, but the pace of playing 51 games across four competitions already this season is beginning to take its toll on the squad.
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Last week, defender Lisandro Martinez had to be taken off during the second half of the Sevilla game after fracturing a bone in his foot, leading to United giving a two goal lead away in the final few minutes of the game.
His defensive partner Raphael Varane had earlier been substituted for a similar reason and will be on the side lines for a least a couple of weeks.
He is one of ten players that are likely to be unavailable for the FA Cup semi final, here is the full injury list….
1. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United is stretched off during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester United and Sevilla FC at Old Trafford on April 13, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Last week, defender Lisandro Martinez had to be taken off during the second half of the Sevilla game after fracturing a bone in his foot, leading to United giving a two goal lead away in the final few minutes of the game. Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. Lisandro Martinez (metatarsal bone)
The Argentinian defender has been one of United's best players this season, but saw his campaign ended when he fractured his metatarsal bone after attempting to dribble out with the ball against Sevilla. Photo: Catherine Ivill
3. Raphael Varane (ankle/foot)
Martinez's centre back partner was also taken in the Sevilla game, being substituted at half time. The Frenchmen is expected to be out for a number of weeks with the injury. Photo: Matthew Peters
4. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, interacts with Luke Shaw after being substituted off during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford FC at Old Trafford on April 05, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The left back has not featured in the last three games after picking up a thigh injury in the Brentford game. The 27-year-old faces a race to be fit for the FA Cup semi-final. Photo: Stu Forster