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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Liam Wood

Harry Maguire returns, Anthony Elanga starts - Manchester United predicted line-up vs West Ham

Harry Maguire is set to return to the Manchester United line-up for their Premier League showdown with top-four rivals West Ham on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Having recovered from an injury setback, the £80million captain has spent the last two games on the bench.

During the closing stages against Brentford, he emerged to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, a substitution which prompted an angry reaction from the latter, as United returned to winning ways at the Community Stadium.

Ronaldo, along with Edinson Cavani, are now injury doubts for the game. Ronaldo has suffered a neck injury and will be assessed, while the Uruguayan has been unable to train with the team this week.

Maguire has been afforded a route back into the team as Victor Lindelof misses out through personal reasons. That is owing to a shock break-in at the Sweden defender's home.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will also be without Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and longer-term absentee Paul Pogba due to injury - while Eric Bailly (AFCON duty) and England international Jadon Sancho (personal reasons) are the other players unavailable for selection.

Scott McTominay (back) is fit after suffering a knock to his lower back against Brentford on Wednesday night.

The above means Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles will retain their places in the starting XI.

Maguire for Lindelof ought to be a straight swap in a 4-3-3 formation, too, although Phil Jones is available after he made his first appearance for 707 days against Wolves earlier in the month.

In attacking quarters, Greenwood and Ronaldo are in pole position to start - leaving the biggest conundrum wide left after Elanga and Rashford were both on target midweek.

What is your score prediction? Have your say in the comments section below.

Speaking about Lindelof, interim manager Rangnick said: "He said to me that he right now needs to stay at home. He doesn't want to leave his wife and family on their own, which I fully understand, being a father of two children myself. We agreed that he will not be training and won't be available tomorrow for the game."

Man United predicted line-up vs West Ham (4-3-3): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, McTominay, Fernandes; Greenwood, Ronaldo; Elanga.

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