Erik ten Hag provides Bruno Fernandes fitness update ahead of Manchester derby

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is expecting Bruno Fernandes to be available for Sunday's Manchester derby with Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Portugal international was seen limping after playing the full 90 minutes of his side's 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday night.

Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference that Fernandes was carrying "a serious injury", fuelling suggestions that he could miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Raphael Varane had also been a doubt for the Forest contest, but he was able to play the full game, and Ten Hag believes that both Fernandes and Varane will be available against Pep Guardiola's side.

"They fought to be part [of it] and they came well out of the game. I think they will be available for Sunday as well," Ten Hag told reporters.

© Reuters

However, Ten Hag suggested that Harry Maguire will again be unavailable this weekend, with the centre-back missing against Forest due to a problem which he picked up against Fulham in the league last time out.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will again definitely be absent.

"And for the rest, I don't think players will return for Sunday, so we do it with the squad from yesterday [at Nottingham Forest]," the manager added during his press conference.

Ten Hag also said that his side's strong form in 2024 will stand them in good stead as they prepare to travel to Man City on Sunday afternoon.

© Reuters

"Our form. We are also in a good run. This period is very good, we are united. We are in togetherness and make a good gameplan. We have done [well] before against City and also lately against Liverpool, so we will prepare well," he added.

"The players are ready for it and looking forward to it. I can smell it. I am around here and speak with the players, so we are really looking forward and excited.

"They have a good team but there are more good teams. They have won in the last season, so this last year, everything, but we know and that is the challenge. But also Liverpool is a very good team and there are more good teams. We like the challenge and we are looking forward to challenge with them."

Man United have won seven, drawn one and lost one of their nine matches in 2024, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham in the Premier League last weekend.

The 20-time English champions are currently sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and eight points from Aston Villa in fourth.