Manchester United’s Injury Crisis: When all players are expected back

Manchester United have eight players on the injury list already this season which is causing Erik ten Hag some headaches with his team selection.

The Reds have started the Premier League season slowly in terms of performances with six points out of twelve in their opening four games.

However, the mounting injury concerns could be more of a worry for the Dutch boss, especially after the trio of Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Raphael Varane have picked up knocks.

Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof were also subbed against Arsenal on the weekend but are both now fit for their international teams.

But what are the injuries to each player, and when can we expect them to return? We’ve compiled the information available to give you a better idea of what the situation is looking like right now.

Mason Mount

Injury: Hamstring

Overview: The midfielder fell to injury following United’s 2-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur, however, there was no clear moment in the game to display where he suffered the blow. It has been said by Ten Hag that the midfielder’s injury is not as severe as Luke Shaw’s after the club’s initial statement explained that he will return after the international break. However, the latest reports from The Telegraph suggest that the outlay could be slightly longer.

Estimated return: 2-4 weeks

Luke Shaw

Injury: Unknown

Overview: The defender suffered a muscle injury in training ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash, although the exact details of the injury remain unknown. The club’s statement on the injury was vague and only said that he would be unavailable for “a number of weeks”, however, various reports have since said that United could be without the player for a number of months.

Estimated return: 3 months

Tyrell Malacia

Injury: Unknown

Overview: United’s deputy left-back fell to injury before the pre-season tour of the United States and again the communication from the club on the injury has been indistinct. The only real information on the Dutchman has come from his manager, who stated that the injury was from impact and that it will take “a few weeks” before Malacia returns, although the boss’s words are not always entirely accurate with injury returns.

Estimated return: 3-5 weeks

Amad

Injury: Knee

Overview: Amad fell to injury during pre-season against Arsenal, however, this extended layout seems to be a different problem as he returned to the squad following that game. Again, Ten Hag has confirmed it came from contact, presumably in training, and whilst the injury has ruled out any loan move before the window shuts, there is no indication of how long he could be out for.

Estimated return: Unknown

Kobbie Mainoo

Injury: Ankle

Overview: The talented midfielder also suffered injury during the pre-season tour in a game against Real Madrid after a collision with Rodrygo, who was initially fouled by Casemiro. It initially seemed like it could’ve been a knee injury but perhaps fortunately it was his ankle. Mainoo still has been out of the team for a number of weeks now, and reports from when he suffered the injury suggested that he could be out for two months, which means a return could be in the coming weeks, something that he has hinted at on Instagram.

Estimated return: 4-6 weeks

Raphael Varane

Injury: Unknown

Overview: United’s French defender was replaced at half-time against Forest for what was described by Ten Hag as a precaution, however, he has since been ruled for “a few weeks” by the club. There have been various reports stating the layout could be up to six weeks, although the most recent information from The Times suggests that it could be as few as four from when he suffered the injury.

Estimated return: 3-5 weeks

Tom Heaton

Injury: Calf

Overview: The goalkeeper suffered an injury in training at the beginning of August which was said to rule him out for the “first few weeks of the season”. Although, since then, there has been minimal information provided on when he could actually return to the fold.

Estimated return: Unknown