Erik ten Hag has confirmed he expected to name Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in the matchday squad against Arsenal but neither player recovered in time for the clash.

Ten Hag confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that he expected both players to be fit for the clash with the Gunners.

“I hope I have players, yeah. Players trained this morning. Bruno was on the pitch and Scott McTominay was back on the pitch. Some players are returning,” Ten Hag said.

“Rashford trained this morning as well. We have to see how he recovered from this but it looks quite good. Hopefully he makes the training tomorrow and then see if he’s available for Sunday.”

However, neither Fernandes nor Rashford have made the squad for the game. When asked why they have not been named in the squad, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “In the last days we trained with Rashy but he didn’t make it. Yesterday, Bruno trained for two days but it was not far enough to recover from his injury to get back in the team.”

Sofyan Amrabat and Amad have been named in the starting XI this afternoon. United could effectively end Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes if they can beat their rivals, while they will also be looking for the points to ensure European qualification for next season.

United trail Newcastle and Chelsea by three points ahead of kick-off, sitting eighth in the table. The best they can hope for this season is a Europa League place, though victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final will confirm their place in Europe’s secondary club competition if they fail to do so via their final league standing.