Manchester United expected squad vs Chelsea as fresh injuries impact the team

Ruud van Nistelrooy will have to contend with multiple injuries as Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United are preparing to host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday as they return to Premier League action.

The Reds’ previous league encounter ended in a close 2-1 loss to West Ham, following a controversial penalty that contributed to Erik ten Hag’s departure.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped up as interim manager, with Rúben Amorim set to take charge permanently after the November international break.

In their most recent cup match, United delivered a dominant 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, securing a spot in the quarter-finals, where they’ll face Tottenham Hotspur in London.

Injuries causing issues

At United, several injury problems are causing issues concerning Van Nistelrooy’s squad selection.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Christian Eriksen had an injury as he missed out on the squad that defeated Leicester, with Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes having to start in midfield.

Beyond this, it was also revealed on Friday that youngster Toby Collyer is set to be out for a month following an injury he sustained during the October international break while performing for the England U20s.

This leaves the three who started against Leicester as the only fit senior midfielders in the squad, and extra numbers will have to be made up via Academy stars.

The four players on the sidelines remain injured in defence, and there have been no updates on Harry Maguire. Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia are looking to return after the November international break, while Luke Shaw suffered a further setback last week.

In midfield, United are also missing Mason Moujnt and Kobbie Mainoo, with Antony currently sidelined due to an ankle problem.

All this injury news means that the Dutch interim boss will have no choice but to litter his team with academy players, many of who have featured regularly in matchday squads in the last month.

Ethan Wheatley came on for five minutes against Leicester, while Jayce Fitzgerald was featured on the bench in place of Eriksen for his first squad appearance and may do so again.

Man United expected squad

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Altay Bayındır.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelöf, Jonny Evans, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Harry Amass.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Jack Fletcher, Jayce Fitzgerald.
Forwards: Rasmus Højlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Ethan Wheatley.

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