90min
·2 December 2024
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Yahoo sports90min
·2 December 2024
Manchester United will be without key duo Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez when they visit Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The two stars featured in the Red Devils' crushing victory over Everton on Sunday, where braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee helped Ruben Amorim's side jump up to ninth, just four points off the Champions League qualification pace.
However, they have been hit by a major blow for what will be Amorim's first major test as their new head coach at the Emirates Stadium.
Mainoo and Martinez were both walking the suspension tightrope heading into Sunday's fixture on four yellow cards each and were cautioned at Old Trafford. Mainoo caught Dwight McNeil early in the second half, while Martinez pulled Beto's shirt when the striker was attempting to lead a counter attack.
Both players have now hit five yellow cards each before United have played their first 19 Premier League matches of the season, meaning they will serve one-match suspensions at the Emirates Stadium.
Martinez is out of Wednesday's trip to London / Alex Livesey/GettyImages
Their absences will be a frustrating blow to Amorim, who remains unbeaten in his three matches since taking over from former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. The 39-year-old could turn to either Luke Shaw or Harry Maguire to fill in at the back, though Jonny Evans missed the weekend due to a knock.
Casemiro started alongside Mainoo in midfield and should keep his place with the England international now missing the trip to London. Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount both came off the bench against Everton and will battle it out to make the starting XI on Wednesday.
United thankfully have few other injury absentees, with only Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof still absent from matchday contention.