MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a double blow ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal with Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both suspended for the crunch clash.
The duo picked up yellow cards in Sunday’s 4-0 home win over Everton — Ruben Amorim’s first Premier League match at Old Trafford since replacing Erik ten Hag.
Kobbie Mainoo is out of Man Utd's clash at Arsenal after picking up his fifth booking of the season
Kobbie Mainoo is out of Man Utd's clash at Arsenal after picking up his fifth booking of the seasonCredit: Getty
Lisandro Martinez also saw yellow in the 4-0 win over Everton and is suspended for Arsenal
Lisandro Martinez also saw yellow in the 4-0 win over Everton and is suspended for ArsenalCredit: Getty
Mainoo and Martinez both enjoyed strong performances as United dominated the Toffees.
But they ended up going in the book for needless challenges.
They had each received four yellow cards prior to the game.
And with a fifth now next to their name, it means Mainoo and Martinez are suspended for United’s latest fixture.
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That takes place on Wednesday at the Emirates, with the Red Devils looking to stop a resurgent Arsenal side in their tracks.
Mikel Arteta’s men have scored 13 goals in their last three matches, starting with last weekend’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
They then went to Sporting Lisbon — Amorim’s former side — where they won 5-1.
And yesterday saw the Gunners travel to east London where they beat West Ham 5-2.
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With Mainoo suspended, Amorim will have to turn to a new midfielder to partner Casemiro.
Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are all capable of doing a job in the pivot.
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But the most likely candidate to replace Mainoo is anchorman Manuel Ugarte, who is yet to make an impression following his £50million move from Paris Saint-Germain in August.
As for Martinez, his absence from United’s back three could hand a start to fit-again Luke Shaw.
Jonny Evans is another option for Amorim.
But the manager’s biggest decision could be whether to restore Rasmus Hojlund to the starting XI after Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each scored a brace against Everton today.