Two Manchester United stars out, but one returns for Brighton clash

The Red Devils welcome back Fred to the fold ahead of their Premier League match against Brighton.

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Fred’s return to the squad, but Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic are out for Tuesday’s clash against Brighton.

Fred returns after missing the club’s last two games against Burnley and Southampton. The midfielder tested positive for COVID-19 last Monday. However, he is now available for selection again upon getting the all-clear to re-join the team.

“Fred will be available again,” announced Rangnick at a pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon. “He’ll also be part of the group for tomorrow.”

But Edinson Cavani, who celebrates his 35th birthday on Valentine’s Day, remains unavailable. The striker is still recovering from the groin injury that forced him out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Southampton.

Joining Cavani on the sidelines is midfielder Nemanja Matic, who has a shin problem.

Rangnick added: “Edinson is still out, the same with Nema. The rest is, well, Alex [Telles] is back again in the squad and already was part of the group for the Southampton game and he will also be available.”

Manchester United enter the Brighton clash determined to stamp out a three-match winless run and improve on their fifth position in the Premier League table.