ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed that he expects to have Harry Maguire and Antony back for tomorrow night’s clash with Barcelona.
Manchester United will head into the Europa League play-off second leg tied at 2-2 with the LaLiga leaders.
GettyErik ten Hag offered a squad update[/caption]
PAAntony and Harry Maguire are both expected to be available[/caption]
In their bid to progress to the round of 16, the Red Devils will be buoyed by the return of two first team players.
And Ten Hag, 53, has even hinted that he could spring a tactical surprise.
He said: “I expect to have Maguire and Antony back.
“Anthony Martial is not available. He is back on the pitch, we wait for team training.
“What we do different you will see tomorrow on the pitch. We have an idea.”
Antony, 22, hasn’t featured since the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on February 4.
While skipper Maguire missed the 3-0 victory over his former club Leicester last Sunday.
Ten Hag also has Scott McTominay back at his disposal, with the Scotland international having returned to play the final 31 minutes against the Foxes at the weekend.
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The Dutchman reckons his side will need to produce their best display of the campaign to overcome Barcelona.
He said: “We have to give the best performance of the season, we believe in it, we’re looking forward to it, so we have to give a lot of energy.
“It will be two great teams facing each other at Old Trafford with a massive atmosphere, a great ambience, it’s the best you can get.”
With the Carabao Cup final looming just three days later, Ten Hag will have to balance his squad well in order to be successful in both competitions.
A man that was a master of doing just that was Sir Alex Ferguson, and Ten Hag dined with the great Scot this week.
Asked about his conversation with Sir Alex, the Red Devils boss said: “He wants to share it, he wants to help and support. Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed.
“He wants us to be doing well. It was a great night.”