DEVASTATING NEWS: Major setback for Erik ten Hag ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City as Bruno Fernandes is ruled out due to an injury sustained in training. Ten Hag stated, “Other players are back, but Bruno Fernandes is out. He had a little knock in training and he’s a doubt for the match. We will try our best to use what we have.” As Manchester United prepares to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final with key players returning from injury, ten Hag has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will be absent. Manchester United will be without their Portuguese star against Manchester City.

Manchester United have received significant boosts ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final, as Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, and Victor Lindelof returned to training on Wednesday.

Mount, who has missed the last three matches in a season marred by injuries, has only managed eight starts since his £60 million transfer from Chelsea. However, he may be fit to rejoin the squad for the crucial match against Manchester City at Wembley.

Martial has been sidelined since early December and underwent groin surgery in January. This season, he has made only seven starts. The French forward is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent after nine years, with United choosing not to activate the 12-month extension in his £250,000-a-week contract.

Lindelof, whose future at the club is also uncertain, has been out for the last 10 games due to a hamstring injury sustained against Brentford at the end of March.

This development provides Erik ten Hag, the United manager, with a much-needed boost. Recently, Ten Hag has also seen the return of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane from long-term injuries.

Ten Hag is hopeful that Harry Maguire will recover in time for Wembley, potentially giving United all five senior center-backs available against City. Even if Maguire isn’t fully fit, the bench should be stronger, as Ten Hag has had to rely on teenagers in recent games.

“Our center-half position has been a nightmare this season,” Ten Hag said after the victory at Brighton last weekend. “I’m glad we have options to choose from now. We need to consider both quality and fitness levels, and we’ll likely need more than two center-backs next week.”

In the last two matches, Ten Hag has employed Bruno Fernandes as a false nine and might continue this strategy against City. Mount could compete with Scott McTominay for the No.10 role.