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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Bruno Fernandes pictured with Man Utd squad flying to London for crunch Tottenham clash

Bruno Fernandes is expected to be fit for Thursday's game against Tottenham after travelling to London with his Manchester United team-mates.

United's vice-captain Fernandes, who picked up a knock during the FA Cup semi-final win against Brighton last Sunday, was a doubt for the huge Premier League clash. Yet it appears the Portugal international has proved his fitness to manager Erik ten Hag.

Fernandes left Wembley wearing a protective boot after Sunday's game. Ten Hag was asked about Fernandes' fitness during a press conference on Wednesday. He replied: "There are some players who are unavailable, [such as] Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

"We have to see how Bruno Fernandes is, because we don't know yet. It's a question mark. But I think, for the rest, we are quite okay."

When asked about Fernandes' protective boot, Ten Hag replied: "It's more often that with players, we protect them. It's prevention, but it has to settle down. We have seen he played a full game and it happened in the first-half. But tomorrow is a quick turnaround, so we have to see what is possible."

Fernandes has missed just four Premier League games since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, such is his importance to United. The former Sporting Lisbon playmaker has played a vital role in their revival under Ten Hag this season and often wears the armband.

Bruno Fernandes has travelled to Tottenham (Eamonn and James Clarke)
David de Gea is aiming to keep Tottenham at bay (ZENPIX LTD)

Ten Hag captained United to victory in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle in February, with club skipper Harry Maguire starting the game from the bench. Maguire's place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed due to the success of Varane and Martinez.

Thursday's Premier League game is vital for both United and Tottenham. United are fourth in the table, level on points with Newcastle in third with a game in hand. More importantly, though, they are six points ahead of Spurs in seventh with two games in hand.

Spurs are desperate for a result after sacking interim manager Cristian Stellini. They have lost two consecutive games, including their 6-1 defeat at Newcastle last Sunday. They were also humbled 3-2 by relegation candidates Bournemouth in the last home game.

Marcus Rashford is Manchester United's talisman this season (ZENPIX LTD)
Casemiro has improved Erik ten Hag's midfield (ZENPIX LTD)

United need to keep winning if they are to stop Tottenham, Aston Villa or Liverpool from snatching fourth spot. Unai Emery's Villa are enjoying a sensational run - picking up 26 points from their last 10 games - and will be eyeing up a spot in Europe.

Liverpool have also regained their form with three consecutive wins and can't be ruled out of the top-four race just yet, especially with Luis Diaz back in the starting XI. Brighton in eighth are also in contention, as they are just 10 points behind United.

Fernandes will also be hoping to stay fit for the FA Cup final, which will be held at Wembley on June 3. United's opponents are local rivals Manchester City, who are aiming to win a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble this season.

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