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Man Utd handed double selection boost but four players ruled out of Nottingham Forest fixture

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Anthony Martial, Diogo Dalot and Jadon Sancho are ruled out of the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils recently saw their 10-match unbeaten streak end with a disappointing 3-2 Premier League defeat at Arsenal. Following the game, Ten Hag was critical over the defensive mistakes made.

The Dutch tactician will want a strong response against Forest on the road on Wednesday but ahead of the clash, there is some disappointing news on the fitness front for the Red Devils.

Martial and Dalot are nursing leg and thigh injuries respectively and the duo have yet to return to team training. Sancho is back with the group but he is not ready to make his comeback.

Ten Hag told Man Utd’s official website: “The players who were not available for the Arsenal game – Dalot, Martial, Sancho. Are also not available for tomorrow.”

Apart from the trio, Donny van de Beek is a confirmed absentee for tomorrow’s trip. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season following his knee surgery.

Meanwhile, looking at the positives, Casemiro is available to play after serving his league suspension.

There is a further boost with Axel Tuanzebe back in training with his teammates. He has yet to make a competitive appearance this term after a lengthy injury lay-off.

United need a strong first leg performance at City Ground

The Red Devils were in a superb run of form with nine straight wins before the frustrating 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace where Michael Olise scored with a world-class free-kick.

This was followed by another late defeat against league leaders Arsenal. United must now respond with a strong display in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tomorrow.

They go into the game as overwhelming favourites. United beat Forest 2-0 at home last month, but could have easily netted three or more goals with the chances created.

The players must capitalise on any scoring opportunities this time around. They need to beat Forest by a healthy margin tomorrow to avoid a nervy second leg at home.

However, it won’t be straightforward. Forest have registered four of their five league wins at home since their top-flight promotion and should provide a good fight.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com