March 05, (THEWILL) –Â Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United’s interim manager, has confirmed that Edinson Cavani is “in contention to start” in the Manchester derby on Sunday, with Scott McTominay likely to be involved as well.
Cavani recently returned to training after missing the previous five games due to a groin injury. Rangnick mentioned that he might play in his pre-match press conference, and he has since confirmed how many minutes the forward can expect to play on the official club’s website.
“Well it’s good to have him back,” the German said. “We have one more alternative in a central attacking position but he has been out for three weeks.
“That’s also something we have to bear in mind. I don’t think he could play for more than, I don’t know, half an hour. He’s ready for that, for coming on as a sub but I don’t think he can be in contention to start that game.”
Cavani has had a terrible season thus far, with injuries limiting him to just 11 Premier League matches. Last season, he finished the season as United’s primary striker, but with Cristiano Ronaldo stealing his place, he has managed to score just once in 2022.
Rangnick also provided an update on the status of McTominay, whose participation in the derby had been questioned owing to illness.
“[It’s] Important to have him available,” he added. “He’s been training the whole week. He’s been out for one week only but he was really seriously ill and lost some weight. I think he could be in contention for the starting XI but I will decide on that [on Saturday] after the last training session.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
