Højlund, Mount, De Ligt: Manchester United early injury news vs Fenerbahce

Erik ten Hag has a few injury concerns as he prepares his Manchester United squad to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Manchester United will return to Europa League action on Thursday evening as they face Fenerbahce away from home in the competition’s third fixture.

United have not faired well so far in the Europa League, drawing their two opening games against FC Twente and FC Porto, leading to heavy criticism of manager Erik ten Hag.

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However, since domestic football returned on the weekend, the Dutchman’s team put in a fantastic second-half performance to come from behind and beat Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The tie against Fenerbahce will see United face their former manager, Jose Mourinho, who left the club in 2018. The Turkish club also employs two former United midfielders, Fred and Sofyan Amrabat, who played under Ten Hag.

Injury latest

As for those who have already been ruled out of the tie, United have four defenders who remain unavailable.

Just before the international break, Harry Maguire had to be substituted at half-time against Aston Villa with an apparent calf problem and will remain injured for a further few weeks.

Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro continue to focus on their rehabilitation following their long-term injuries. However, there have been rumours that the former may return towards the end of this month.

Further, although Luke Shaw is not currently expected to participate when the side flies to Istanbul, Ten Hag is expected to give an update on the left-back’s fitness on Wednesday afternoon.

Kobbie Mainoo will be injured for up to another four weeks after suffering a hamstring issue. Still, positive performances from Christian Eriksen and Casemiro will help soothe the talented English midfielder’s loss for the short term.

Ten Hag also confirmed ahead of the Brentford fixture that Academy talent Toby Collyer had picked up an injury. His return date is unknown.

Finally, Bruno Fernandes will be banned from playing following his red card against FC Porto.

Positive updates

However, there are also several potentially positive updates that United fans could see in the coming days.

After missing training with Denmark last week, some feared that Rasmus Højlund had suffered an injury setback, but after he started, scored, and played 74 minutes against Brentford, he confirmed he was not 100 per cent fit to play.

Meanwhile, although Matthijs de Ligt had a head problem against Brentford, this is not expected to keep him out. After his fantastic display at Old Trafford, he will be able to continue his increasing form in Istanbul if he is selected.

Mason Mount is expected to return to training in the coming days after he was ruled out with a knock a few weeks ago, but it remains to be seen if he will be part of the squad that travels to Tueky.

United will release this squad on Wednesday afternoon as the squad embark on their four-hour flight between Manchester and Istanbul.

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