Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans will be fit to face Chelsea on Thursday evening.

The news will soften the blow of losing two other centre-backs, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, to lengthy injury layoffs.

It means that ten Hag will only have five players on the treatment table ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, which is considerably fewer than at other points this season.

In terms of the starting lineup, Andre Onana will continue in goal, following his excellent performance in the 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend.

After coming as a substitute at the Gtech Community Stadium, Maguire is expected to replace Lindelof in the centre of defence, with Varane staying in the team. The Frenchman was only substituted as a precaution versus the Bees so he is in contention to play on Thursday.

Due to a lack of other options, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are set to be selected in the two fullback positions, despite struggling last time out.

In midfield, Casemiro is set to come back into the starting eleven, providing the back four with more protection after Brentford were allowed to attack at will on Saturday night. Scott McTominay is the likeliest to make way, with Kobbie Mainoo and captain Bruno Fernandes keeping their places.

Despite his goal against the Bees, Mason Mount is not expected to get his first start in five months, with ten Hag having emphasised that he wants to protect the player after three major injuries this season.

Up front, it’s likely to be the same three that started last weekend, with Alejandro Garnacho on the right wing, Marcus Rashford playing off the left flank and Rasmus Hojlund leading the line.

Manchester United’s Predicted XI to play Chelsea:

Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mainoo, Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford