After a fourth consecutive victory for Michael Carrick and Manchester United, three key players will be keen to return to action.
Manchester United defeated Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday after goals from Bryan Mbuemo and Bruno Fernandes cemented Michael Carrick’s side firmly in the top four. As they look forward to meeting West Ham on Tuesday night, the squad are preparing to try to make it five wins from five.
Carrick’s fairy-tale start continued against his former club Spurs, who were reduced to ten players after Cristian Romero was sent off for a rash challenge on Casemiro in the 29th minute. United then took control of the match and opened the scoring nine minutes later.
Mbuemo’s goal took his tally into double digits for the season and gave United an early lead against his former manager, Thomas Frank. Although we had to wait over 40 minutes for a second goal, United controlled the game and eased past Tottenham, ending the day just three points off third-place Aston Villa.
Ahead of an exciting end to the season, United will hope they can have as many players available as possible to strengthen their squad as they hope to qualify for the Champions League next season. Three regular first-team players are currently sidelined with injuries. Mason Mount, Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu are all currently unavailable to Michael Carrick.
Mason Mount
What happened: Mount has been left out of both squads in the last two matches against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, and the extent of his injury is still unclear.
What’s been said: Michael Carrick told journalists before the fixture against Tottenham that Mount was “not too far away” and that they were “hopeful it won’t be too long.” As of yet, there have been no further updates around his situation.
Possible return date: 23 February – Everton (H).
Matthijs de Ligt
What happened: De Ligt has been missing from the matchday squad for a number of months now after sustaining an injury to his back in late November. Although Michael Carrick hinted it may not be too long before we see him back, he suggested that Mason Mount will be involved again sooner.
What’s been said: “Matta [De Ligt], he’s working his way back, taking good steps and improving,” Carrick said on Thursday. “It’s a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won’t be too long [before De Ligt is back].” There has been no further update since before the Spurs match, but Carrick could provide some more information in the coming days.
Possible return date: 23 February – Everton (H).
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Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu
What happened: After a spell of outstanding performances and scoring a contender for the goal of the season against Arsenal, Dorgu was substituted at the Emirates after pulling up with a hamstring injury. The injury initially seemed serious, and there has been no further indication as to when we will see the Danish international on the pitch again.
What’s been said: “It could possibly [be up to ten weeks], we’re working through it. Certainly looking forward to getting him back as quick as we can and getting [him] on the pitch long before the end of the season.”
Possible return date: Late March or early April.
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