Mainoo, Garnacho: Early Manchester United injury news as Aston Villa tie looms

Manchester United are waiting on multiple injury updates as Erik ten Hag prepares his side to face Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United are preparing to return to Premier League action with an away match against Aston Villa, their seventh fixture of the season.

Under Erik ten Hag, the team has encountered a challenging start, securing only three victories from their first ten games. Their last match saw them relinquish a 2-0 lead against FC Porto, needing a last-minute header from Harry Maguire to clinch a 3-3 draw.

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While United currently sit 13th in the league standings, Aston Villa is thriving under Unai Emery’s management. They are in fifth place and trail league leaders Liverpool by just two points.

Most recently, Villa hosted Bayern Munich in the Champions League, achieving a 1-0 victory thanks to a stunning goal from substitute Jhon Duran.

Against Porto, United had several key players missing, with Ten Hag confirming ahead of the game that Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo had missed out due to injury.

He further explained that, despite being on the bench, both Maguire and Alejandro Garnacho were carrying slight problems. However, both players were substituted onto the field in the second half, with the latter grabbing the late equaliser in Portugal.

Mainoo’s injury is not thought to be serious as he still travelled with the side and is set to be assessed ahead of the weekend’s Premier League fixture in Birmingham.

“We have to wait and we have to see if he can play on Sunday, if he’s fit enough to start or be on the bench,” Ten Hag told reporters of the 19-year-old after the game.

Regarding Mason Mount, he took a knock as well as a blow to the head against Tottenham last week, although the English midfielder has already confirmed it is nothing to be worried about.

Although there was a scare that Rashford may have picked up an injury on Thursday evening after he was substituted at half-time, Ten Hag explained this was just to keep him fresh, meaning he should be fit to play against Villa.

Rasmus Højlund returned to the starting XI after a six-week hamstring issue and scored his first goal of the campaign. At the same time, Bruno Fernandes is available for selection after his red card against Tottenham was rescinded.

Luke Shaw is expected to return after the international break, while Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia remain absent and are not expected back until December.

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