Evening Standard
·7 October 2024
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·7 October 2024
Red Devils suffer four injuries going into international break
Manchester United have picked up four injuries on a hugely damaging start to the international break.
Both Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraouiwere taken off at half-time. against Aston Villa and the latter has subsequently withdrawn from the Morocco squad.
Kobbie Mainoo returned to the starting line-up at Villa Park, but has now withdrawn from the England squad, and that news came hours after Alejandro Garnacho was forced to pull out of Argentina duty.
They join the likes of Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia on the treatment table at Old Trafford.
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Garnacho has been carrying a knock of late and was named on the bench in the chaotic Europa League draw with Porto last week, replacing Marcus Rashford at half-time.
He subsequently started and played the full 90 minutes at Villa, only to then withdraw from the Argentina squad on Monday for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.
“I had knee problems in the last two matches, and I won't be able to be with the national team, but I hope to recover so I can be on the next date [against Paraguay and Peru in November].”
Garnacho is an important figure for United, having notched four goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this term.
Ten Hag noted that the former Atletico Madrid youngster had been carrying a knock of late while explaining his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time of last week’s chaotic Europa League draw with Porto.
Potential return date: Unknown
Action Images via Reuters
Amid a plethora of withdrawals, Mainoo is perhaps the surprise.
The midfielder played 85 minutes against Aston Villa, returning from a hamstring injury picked up against Tottenham, which saw him miss the 3-3 draw at Porto.
Mainoo will play no part of Nations League games against Greece and Finland, and interim England manager Lee Carsley has not named a replacement.
Potential return date: Unknown
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Mazraoui was a surprise withdrawal at half-time along with Maguire at Villa, but the issue appears severe enough to rule him out of international duty with Morocco.
“We had to take them off at half-time,” Ten Hag said following the 0-0 draw. “Tomorrow we have to see what is the diagnosis on it."
"We have to assess this. I can’t tell you now what the issue is. I know what the issue is but [I cannot say now] how good or bad it is. We have to see assess this tomorrow [Monday] and then we will bring you news."
Potential return date: Unknown
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Maguire was seen limping at the end of the first half against Villa and needed help to get off the pitch from the physios.
The centre-back was replaced by Matthijs de Ligt with Ten Hag unsure on how long he will be missing for.
Potential return date: Unknown
Manchester United via Getty Imag
Shaw is still yet to feature for United this season after featuring for England at Euro 2024.
But Ten Hag revealed last week that the left-back could return after the international break.
“We hope Luke can return after the international break quickly,” he said. “I don't know if it's the first game, we're hoping for [it], but I can't, in this moment, tell this with 100 per cent security.
“But, yeah, from now on, we have two-and-a-half weeks to work to that point. And, shortly after, he'll be there.”
Potential return date: Saturday 19 October vs Brentford
Mount has missed United’s last two matches after being forced off during the 3-0 defeat to Spurs following a clash of heads with Radu Dragusin.
Ten Hag revealed the midfielder had picked up another injury problem in addition to his head issue.
“He had a head injury and picked up a knock, so they are the two reasons why he's not available for tomorrow,” Ten Hag said before United’s 3-3 draw with Porto.
Potential return date: Saturday 19 October vs Brentford
Mason Mount picked up a head injury during Man Utd’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham
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Summer signing Yoro is yet to make his debut for United after requiring surgery on a foot injury he suffered in pre-season.
The 18-year-old is expected to return towards the end of September, with Ten Hag saying last month: “Yes, he is doing very well.
“It is very pleasing that his rehab is going in the right direction, and I expect him soon, but what I mean by soon is that he is now in the right planning process.
“He is in the right spot, and he will return as soon as possible into the squad and then the team training.”
Potential return date: Saturday 24 November vs Ipswich Town
Malacia has not played for United for over a year but is closing in on a comeback.
Last week Ten Hag said: “Tyrell is making good progress on the pitch but has to make the step to full team training.”
Potential return date: Sunday 3 November vs Chelsea