Ugarte, Hojlund, Mount: Manchester United latest injury news as Liverpool face double blow

Erik ten Hag has offered mixed updates as Manchester United prepare to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United are set to face Liverpool at Old Trafford in their third Premier League match of the 2024/25 season.

Erik ten Hag’s side has had a varied start to the season, with a 1-0 win over Fulham followed by a late 2-1 defeat to Brighton. Despite these results, United appear more organised and structured than they did last year.

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Liverpool, under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, have enjoyed a strong start, securing 2-0 victories in their first two games against Ipswich Town and Brentford. Slot will be aiming to continue this positive momentum with a statement performance at Old Trafford.

On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that Mason Mount would be four to five weeks out after suffering a hamstring injury during his half-time substitution against Brighton.

However, Ten Hag provided a positive update on Rasmus Højlund after the player returned to training on Thursday.

“We have to see how it develops, how we can progress during the break, to get match fit,” said the boss, when asked about a potential return date for the Danish international.

“He returned on the [training] pitch but it will take a while before he is up. Everyone has seen, it [the injury] happens in the first game [of Tour 2024], so he needs also to build some fitness.”

Many have wondered if Manchester United will see the debut of new signing Manuel Ugarte following his £42 million transfer from Paris St. Germain.

Unfortunately, United did not register the player on time. Although they could have rushed the registration through, they decided against this as Ugarte is not too match-fit to play on Sunday, so they felt there was little urgency.

Meanwhile, United will be without Luke Shaw for at least two more weeks as the defender recovers from a hamstring issue. Shaw missed the latest England squad, while Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo were both selected.

Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia remain United’s only confirmed long-term absentees. Both defenders are set to return around November, although this time frame may be extended or shortened depending on how their rehabilitation plays out.

Victor Lindelöf is nursing a toe problem he suffered during pre-season and is not expected back until after the international break. However, Ten Hag confirmed that, as of Friday afternoon, the club have no further injury concerns.

“I think that is it; it will be the same squad as last week,” the Dutch boss said when asked if there are any new injury issues beyond Mount’s prognosis.

Liverpool have an almost perfect squad to face United, although the tie comes too soon for Federico Chiesa, who joined from Juventus earlier this week.

“He’s going to train with us today but it’s a bigger chance that he is not in the squad for Sunday than he is,” manager Arne Slot said.

“If injuries might come up in the upcoming two days we might need him, but I don’t expect him to be in but I cannot guarantee this.”

Liverpool’s only doubt is Curtis Jones. According to the Dutchman, the midfielder was the only player not to join the rest of the group at Friday’s session.

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