Manchester United latest injury news as Erik ten Hag deals major squad hint vs FC Twente

Erik ten Hag has dealt a major squad hint as Manchester United prepare to face FC Twente in their opening Europa League fixture of 2024/25.

Following a goalless draw against Crystal Palace, Manchester United will host FC Twente at Old Trafford in their Europa League season opener.

Erik ten Hag‘s squad will face eight matches in the group stage, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

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While this marks the first competitive encounter between the two clubs, Ten Hag is well-acquainted with FC Twente, having played as a centre-back for the Eredivisie side across three stints, making 257 appearances between 1989 and 2002.

While Ten Hag has already revealed that he feels pained to face his former club, he further explained in a recent press conference that Luke Shaw will be making a later return than initially expected.

“I think it’s probably [before the international break], but I can’t say this for 100 per cent sure,” Ten Hag said on the English defender.

Further, he hinted that the 20-man squad that will face FC Twente will likely be the same as the one that travelled to Crystal Palace.

When asked if there would be any returns to the team, the Dutch manager replied: “No, no difference to the squad from last Saturday against Crystal Palace.”

Regarding injured players, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia remain long-term absentees. However, the latter recently returned to first-team training to rebuild his fitness after being out for over a year following multiple knee operations.

Victor Lindelöf has also returned to training, but if Ten Hag’s words are being taken as gospel, the Swedish international will not return for the Old Trafford tie.

Rasmus Højlund returned to action for the first time since his injury during pre-season, which is a much-needed boost for the front line.

With a game against Tottenham Hotspur looming on Sunday afternoon, Højlund will want to collect as many fitness minutes as possible on Wednesday evening.

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