Early Man United injury news vs Leicester City as Ruud van Nistelrooy faces selection headache

Ruud van Nistelrooy faces a selection headache as he selects his Manchester United side to face Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United are preparing to face Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in the wake of sacking Erik ten Hag as the club’s manager.

It has been announced that Ten Hag’s assistant and former United coach Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the side while the club looks for a permanent replacement.

Read More: Manchester United’s 9-man replacement list for Erik ten Hag outlined as one candidate ruled out

Although it is officially unknown how long he will be in the position, there are rumours that Sporting manager Ruben Amorim may become the club’s next boss.

United qualified for this competition stage after a resounding 7-0 victory in the previous round. It is the first trophy Ten Hag won with the club in 2023.

Injury news

Van Nistelrooy will have several injury issues that he has to contend with as he chooses his side against Leicester City.

During a training session last week, Luke Shaw was seen running on the grass for the first time in months, though he is not expected to return until early next month.

Harry Maguire, meanwhile, revealed earlier in the month that he would be sidelined for “a few weeks” due to an injury sustained against Aston Villa, though a specific return date is still uncertain.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is confirmed to be out until mid-November with a hamstring issue, while youngsters Toby Collyer and Dan Gore are also unavailable, with their return dates yet to be determined.

Mason Mount’s comeback has also been delayed. He has been absent since the end of September, and although Ten Hag recently assured fans that the 25-year-old would return “soon,” he acknowledged a minor setback in Mount’s recovery.

Finally, United confirmed that Antony had suffered a sprained ankle against Fenerbahce last week, and he is not expected to be fit to feature against Leicester.

Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia remain absentees as both players continue their respective rehabilitations and are penned in for returns next month.

A selection headache

The good news for Van Nistelrooy is that he has positive selection headaches in attack and defence.

On Wednesday evening, there are five attackers for three positions. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee are vying for the up-front position, while Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford look to play on the wings.

United’s midfield almost picks itself due to the unavailability of multiple players, with Manuel Ugarte, Christain Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro vying for three positions.

The club have four centre-backs available, while only Diogo Dalot and Noussiar Mazraoui are the only options in the full-back positions.

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