Team News:
Martinez is out for the rest of the season with a metatarsal injury similar to the famous Rooney/Beckham injuries of the past. Happily, the injury didn’t turn out to be an Achilles tear as that’s a much more severe problem with recovery sometimes taking twelve months rather than the eight weeks a metatarsal takes to heal.
Varane’s injury is less clear, with the defender expected out for Sunday but probably some games after that too. That leaves United with the pairing of Maguire and Lindelof, the only genuine contenders for the central defence unless Shaw, who is coming back from injury himself, is thrown in there. Sunday may be too soon for Shaw to start.
McTominay is again a doubt in midfield, but with Eriksen back and neither Fernandes nor Casemiro suspended and Sabiter in form, there are plenty to pick from for midfield. Fred could even get a run-out.
Upfront, Rashford seems unlikely to be available with the race on for him to possibly return for the Sevilla second leg on Thursday. Martial is a risk, as always, but will probably start. He looked good against Sevilla for a while before he faded out, but that’ll be part of his long road to recovery.
Predicted Line-up:
De Gea
Dalot Maguire Lindelof Malacia
Casemiro Fernandes
Sabitzer
Antony Martial Sancho
Score Prediction: 1-2
United’s collapse against a poor Sevilla side will inspire Forest, who are also a poor side. United are vulnerable, especially with Maguire back in the side. With the crowd’s support, Forest will go all-out attack, but if United can weather that storm, it should be a comfortable game. If United show weakness and allow Forest into the game, then it could be a disaster.