Manchester United appears destined to fall short of securing a Champions League spot this season, despite their determined performance in a draw against Liverpool last Sunday.
Initially outplayed in the first half, United staged a comeback in the second, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo putting them within touching distance of victory. However, a late penalty by Mohamed Salah resulted in the match ending in a draw.
Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, is likely to attribute some of the team’s struggles this season to injuries. The current treatment room is brimming with key first-team players whose absence has been keenly felt. As the team prepares for their upcoming Saturday evening clash against Bournemouth, MEN Sport has delved into the pressing concerns within the squad:
Luke Shaw
Injury: Thigh.
Erik ten Hag’s Update: “Yes, I expect him back, I think, before the end of the season. That is the plan, and he is still on schedule for this. He will return into our team.”
Potential return date: May.
Marcus Rashford
Injury: Knock.
Erik ten Hag’s Update: “I’m not sure [how bad the injury is], but I don’t think it will be long term.”
Potential return date: AFC Bournemouth (A) – April 13.
Lisandro Martinez
Injury: Calf.
Manchester United’s Announcement: “Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for at least a month due to a muscle injury.”
Potential return date: May.
Victor Lindelof
Injury: Hamstring.
Manchester United’s Announcement: “Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof will be out of action for at least a month due to a muscle injury.”
Potential return date: May.
Scott McTominay
Injury: Unknown.
Manchester United’s Update: United have confirmed that McTominay has been added to the injury list after he did not feature in the matchday squad against Liverpool.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Raphael Varane
Injury: Ankle/foot.
Erik ten Hag’s Update: The Dutchman was unclear whether Varane would be ready for the Liverpool game in his pre-match press conference but it transpired he was not fit enough for the match.
Potential return date: AFC Bournemouth (A) – April 13.
Jonny Evans
Injury: Unknown.
Erik ten Hag’s Update: Like Varane, Ten Hag was unsure if Evans would be fit to face Liverpool on Sunday and, as with the Frenchman, he missed the game.
Potential return date: AFC Bournemouth (A) – April 13.
Anthony Martial
Injury: Groin.
Current Status: Martial underwent groin surgery in January, but his return date remains uncertain.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Tyrell Malacia
Injury: Knee.
Erik ten Hag’s Update: “He had setbacks during his rehab process. It takes too long; it’s bad for him. Bad for us. But now we’ve turned a point, and it’s positive – he will return soon on the pitch. I don’t think then it will take long before he’s returning in the team training.”
Potential return date: Unknown.