Ruben Amorim set for double fitness boost in his first game, Ten Hag hasn’t duo available since 2023

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United will have to wait until November 24th for Ruben Amorim to make his managerial bow. By the time this happens, he could be handed some fitness boosts.

For all of the deficiencies that Erik ten Hag had and the poor decisions he made, there was always a sense of sympathy surrounding how unfortunate he was with injuries.

Last season in particular saw Manchester United struggle with injuries at an almost unprecedented rate. Ten Hag had to deal with the most ‘time loss’ injuries with 45.

The 2024/25 season has seen this record improve, however, there have still been problems which will no doubt have impacted the terrible start to the season Ten Hag oversaw.

Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia have all missed time but should see their sideline spells ended shortly.

For Ruben Amorim, two might even be fit for him to use on his Manchester United bow against Ipswich in three weeks.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim to be handed double fitness boost for his first game

Despite a deal being virtually done for Amorim to take charge, it will be a further three weeks before he is in the dugout facing off against Kieran McKenna.

In this period, he could see some key players return to availability, with Yoro and Mainoo both expected back later this month.

However, according to Rich Fay and the Manchester World, two other players are hoping to be fit for Amorim against Ipswich.

Both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia will hope their respective lengthy lay-offs can come to an end in November, with both not featuring in a matchday squad together since May 2023.

Shaw has not played a minute for United since February after his naive decision to go to Euro 2024 with England brought up more injury woes.

Meanwhile, Malacia’s issues are even longer term as he has been out of action for 16 months now – failing to play a single game in 2023/24.

• READ MORE: Who is Luke Shaw? Inside the life of Manchester United’s flying English full-back

Manchester United need Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia to return

This season so far has seen the left-back slot occupied by Diogo Dalot despite the fact he is far from a natural in the position and his right-footedness causes automatism on the left to be an issue.

This prompted Ten Hag to state that a left-footed left-back was required to help his side improve – although he ignored the obvious solution of Harry Amass.

Having a natural left wing-back will be as important for Amorim as it was for Ten Hag – and therefore the return of Malacia and Shaw would be welcomed by the 39-year-old manager.

That being said, Amorim is a big believer in youth and it would be no surprise if he opted for Amass instead of his senior teammates.

Of course, one final option to bolster the ranks may be Alvaro Fernandez on whom United do hold an attractive buy-back option.