Manchester United go into their Premier League curtain raiser against Fulham full of momentum and goodwill after events on and off the pitch.
Two signings in Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have refreshed the mood around the squad while the Community Shield performance was a base to build on.
However, the reason why De Ligt and Mazraoui were needed for this one is because prior to the game, the injury theme from last season had already started continuing in this.
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United didn’t finish a single pre-season game during their USA tour unscathed, with one injury following another.
Ahead of their first league game of the season, here’s how the injury situation looks like-
Manchester United injury latest
United come into the game missing four players- Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw.
Of these, it is reasonable to assume that Hojlund, Shaw, and Yoro would have started the game vs Fulham if they were available.
Here’s the individual injury status of these four players and their prospective return dates-
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund started this season with a bang, returning against Arsenal after his international exploits with Denmark at the Euros.
He scored within the first 10 minutes but that was as good as it got. He pulled up while chasing a ball in the box a few minutes later and was set for a spell on the sidelines.
He was diagnosed with a hamstring/thigh injury and United are extremely careful with him. He is expected to return after the international break, with the away game vs Southampton on September a realistic proposition.
Leny Yoro
The Frenchman’s fine start to his United career after an encouraging debut was also cut short against Arsenal, where he was subbed off in the first half.
His injury would turn out to be more serious, as Yoro needed a surgery to resolve an issue with his metatarsal.
The injury is expected to keep him out for about three months, so the game against Brentford at home after the second international break, on October 19, could be the one where he comes off the bench to start regaining his match fitness. If that’s deemed a bit too risky, then the game vs Leicester City at Old Trafford on November 9 should be a fairly safe bet.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw’s injury update riled up the fans the most, since he ended last season unavailable, went to the Euros with England where he played the latter stages, only to be injured again ahead of the league opener.
The left-back is reported to have a calf injury and Erik ten Hag has said he expects him back soon. Still, with his injury history, it would be a huge surprise if he takes to the pitch in a game before the first international break ends.
Like Hojlund, September 14 is what he might be targeting, and hopefully some continued availability from then on.
Tyrell Malacia
Yes, Malacia exists and is still a United player. The left-back has been MIA for almost 18 months now. Coincidentally, his last match was against Fulham on May 28, 2023.
Unfortunately, he won’t be making a full circle return as the latest Malacia injury update indicates that he will be out until at least the second international break.
Due to him being out for so long, expect him to make some appearances for the U21s first as he just gets used to competitive football again.
At this point, it would be a bonus if he were to contribute to the first team in some capacity before the end of this year.
Other mentions: Will Fish and Victor Lindelof
Fish was stretchered off vs Liverpool which has arguably made his prospects of moving on loan perilous this summer. Even if if stays, he isn’t expected to shake up the first-team scene.
As for the other, Fiorentina’s interest in Lindelof makes and general question marks over his future make it likely that even if he wasn’t questionable for this game, the Swede wouldn’t be risked in case he is subject to a transfer bid.
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