One Manchester United star looks set to be reinstated to the team for first game after the international break against Manchester City after Diogo Dalot’s injury
While it is only the beginning of the campaign, Manchester United have already had several injury problems that have caused key stars to miss at least one of the opening fixtures.
Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee missed the entirety of pre-season, but returned to training after David de Gea’s farewell match, with Benjamin Šeško, who was announced before the Fiorentina match.
While Zirkzee and Šeško were deemed fit enough for the bench against Arsenal, Onana missed the first match and only returned to the bench for the second Premier League match against Fulham.
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount – Rúben Amorim’s two first-choice options for the left-sided attacking midfield spot – both picked up injuries against Burnley, forcing Bruno Fernandes to push into the front three.
Another man to suffer an injury was young Sekou Kone, who was clattered in a National League Cup tie against Tamworth and looks set to play with an eye mask when he passes the concussion period.
Dalot picks up muscle issue on international duty
Diogo Dalot has been a key player since Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag, playing largely as a right-wing-back, but also filling on at left-wing-back.
After becoming the first United player to register an assist this season – for Bryan Mbeumo’s goal against Burnley – Dalot travelled to Portugal to play for the international side, but the International Federation have revealed he has picked up an injury.
“Full-back Nuno Tavares was called up to the National Senior squad this Thursday to replace Diogo Dalot,” said the Portuguese Football Federation.
“The international, who plays for Manchester United, complained of muscle discomfort and was released by the Health and Performance Unit. Nuno Tavares, 25, a Lazio player, joins the national team in Yerevan, travelling this Thursday from Rome to the capital of Armenia.”
Dalot now looks set to miss the Manchester derby after the international break, unless his injury isn’t as serious as first feared.
Dorgu to regain his place
After his poor performance in the Carabao Cup, Patrick Dorgu was dropped for the Burnley match, with Dalot taking his place on the left side and Amad playing on the right.
Dorgu, who was ‘impressive’ in pre-season, was an unused substitute in the 3-2 win over Scott Parker’s side, but could be forced back into the team if Dalot is unable to return in time for Manchester City on September 14.
Alternatively, Amorim could choose to play Luke Shaw at left-wing-back and bring Noussair Mazraoui or Harry Maguire back into the starting lineup for what is set to be a more defensive system than in previous matches.
Cunha and Mount could also miss the game, meaning Kobbie Mainoo could be in line for his first Premier League start of the season.
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