The new Premier League season might only be less than a week old but Manchester United are already feeling the strain of injuries.
Manchester United were plagued with ailments throughout the entirety of last season, with Erik ten Hag giving it as a reason for his side’s record-poor campaign.
Though the excuse did wear thin it is hard to argue that a team missing so many key players, including the entire first-choice defence, shouldn’t struggle.
Sadly, the plague has not been eradicated at the start of the new campaign with United already suffering eight injuries.
Here is United’s list of players with serious injuries or minor knocks and when they could return to action.
Leny Yoro
Summer signing Leny Yoro made it to just his second friendly appearance for his new club before being bitten by the injury bug.
The young centre-back suffered a fractured metatarsal against Arsenal on the tour of the USA, which ruled him out for three months.
Latest update: The club said in a statement on August 5: “Leny Yoro has today had a successful surgery on his foot injury.
“Yoro’s rehabilitation starts now and we look forward to the 18-year-old returning to fitness in around three months.”
Potential return date: October 2024
Rasmus Hojlund
The friendly with Arsenal proved to be costly for United as Rasmus Hojlund was another causality. The striker limped off with a hamstring strain but, thankfully, it wasn’t too serious with only a six-week lay-off predicted.
Latest update: Ten Hag said of Hojlund and Yoro on August 3: “The players are dealing very well with this setback.
“They are very positive. They are already recovering and they will return.”
Potential return date: September 14, vs Southampton
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw hasn’t played for United since February and, although he recovered from injury to play in the final stages of Euro 2024, he is now sidelined again.
Shaw’s latest setback has come in the form of a calf injury but he is hoping to be back after the September international break.
Latest update: United wrote in a statement on August 13: “Luke Shaw will miss the opening games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained at the start of pre-season training.
“He is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break.”
Potential return date: September 14, vs Southampton
Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof has become the latest defensive blow for United as it has been revealed he is suffering from a problem with his toe after missing the opener against Fulham.
Latest update: Speaking ahead of the match with Brighton, Ten Hag said: “There is no confusion [about Lindelof], he has an issue on his toe.
“So hopefully he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend. Whereas also we have some more [issues], Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund. They are not available as well. Luke Shaw, of course.”
Potential return date: Unkown
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s future remains uncertain at Old Trafford and it looked perilous when he wasn’t included in the squad on the season’s opening day.
However, it was later revealed he missed the match due to an ear infection. Sancho is expected to be available for Saturday but it’s not clear if he will be picked.
Latest update: Ten Hag said in his pre-Brighton press conference when asked if Sancho will be involved: “We will see.
“We have a squad. I hope we will have a squad with double positioning [two players for every role].
“And when we go into the season after September 1, that means you can’t select all the players but you need them all throughout the season. We have to manage it.
“The attitude of the players is very important. Sometimes they will be disappointed [at being left out]. They have to deal with it.
“You win as a squad. The prizes are decided next May and until then we need all the players in the squad and highly motivated. That is not an expectation. That is a demand on the squad.”
Potential return date: August 24, vs Brighton
Harry Maguire
Given the rest of their injuries, the last thing United need is to lose Harry Maguire after his Player of the Match display vs Fulham.
The centre-back appeared to be in discomfort as he left the field but Ten Hag insisted he didn’t have a new injury and was taken off as a precaution after recently returning to action.
Latest update: Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the win:
“Not injured but I had to bring him off because he had a problem.
“Before he gets injured, a precaution. The win is very important, of course, but I’m so happy [of] no injuries today.”
Potential return date: August 24, vs Brighton
Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia was 23 when he last appeared for United. He is now 25. The left-back’s injury woes have been mysterious and remarkably long but Ten Hag did recently suggest he’s edging towards a return.
Latest update: Ten Hag said in a press conference: “He had setbacks in his rehab process.
“Now we’ve turned a point and it’s positive. He will return soon on the pitch. I don’t think then it will take long before he’s returning in the team training.”
Potential return date: Unkown
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