Evening Standard
·26 August 2024
Evening Standard
·26 August 2024
Erik ten Hag reveals new issue after Brighton defeat
Manchester United are once again battling a mounting list of injuries.
Mason Mount is the latest player to go down having been substituted at half-time of the defeat to Brighton.
Erik ten Hag confirmed the midfielder’s issue as United prepare to welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on the coming weekend, before the international break.
Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund and Victor Lindelof are closing in on returns but Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia remain some way off comebacks.
Mount has been a regular starter in the opening weeks of the season but an issue in the first half at Brighton forced him out the game.
Ten Hag spoke afterwards that the player’s injury “history” pushed him towards the cautious move to take him out of the game.
“It was forced,” the manager told reporters. “He mentioned an issue and I don't want to take the risk with him.
“I don't know how much of a worry it is, I can't say at this moment. But I think, when we have the good bench, and we can bring in [Joshua] Zirkzee, then don't hesitate. Bring Mount off and bring [on] a player who can have an impact.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Big summer signing Yoro impressed on his debut against Rangers in pre-season but then suffered a foot injury on his second appearance, a friendly against Arsenal in the United States.
The defender has undergone surgery and is expected to miss a total of three months.
Potential return date: October 2024
Another player to go down during pre-season, Hojlund injured his hamstring against Arsenal in the USA.
A six-week timeframe means the Dane is tipped to return after next month’s internationals.
Potential return date: September 14, vs Southampton
Luke Shaw has not played for United since February but did make his comeback during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
The left-back will miss the first few weeks of the season, the club have confirmed, due to a calf problem picked up in training.
Potential return date: September 14, vs Southampton
Luke Shaw could make his Manchester United return soon
Manchester United via Getty Images
Swedish defender Lindelof was forced out of the pre-season friendly against Liverpool with what was initially thought to be a minor issue. However, the player’s wife posted an image of him on crutches last week.
Ten Hag clarified that a toe issue is keeping him sidelined, saying: “Hopefully he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend [against Brighton].”
Potential return date: September 2024
Tyrell Malacia has not played for United since May 2023 but Ten Hag recently hinted he could make a return in the relatively near future.
"He had setbacks in his rehab process,” said the United boss. “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: September/October 2024