Manchester United host Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday in a bid for a much-needed win.
The Red Devils entered the October international break with a goalless stalemate against Aston Villa last weekend, extending their winless streak across all competitions to five games. They have also failed to score in four of their last five league matches.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Erik ten Hag has been given more time and will lead the team in the upcoming match against the Bees. This could potentially kickstart a crucial period for the United manager.
As such a significant phase approaches, he will need to count on as many squad members as possible. Recent weeks have seen a surge in injury problems, but there’s hope that some of those currently sidelined may be fit for the Bees clash.
Noussair Mazraoui had to withdraw from the Morocco squad last month after undergoing a modest preventative corrective operation for palpitations. United believe that his absence will last a few weeks.
Walid Regragui, Morocco’s head coach, has expressed confidence over Noussair Mazraoui’s condition, saying: “Noussair Mazraoui is not suffering from a hazardous sickness. We hope he will join us at the next camp in November.
Harry Maguire is currently sidelined with a foot injury suffered versus Villa. After being replaced by Matthijs de Ligt at Villa Park, Maguire turned to Instagram on Tuesday to vent his annoyance and determination, writing: “Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sidelines for me, but I’ll come back stronger.”
Leny Yoro suffered a fractured metatarsal. Leny Yoro, who sustained a fractured metatarsal during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States, is recovering after surgery. The 18-year-old is apparently already walking alone and working out at Carrington. Yoro provided an update on his recovery process on Wednesday, releasing a video on social media showing himself working out on a treadmill with the caption: “On the way back.”
Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined with a calf injury since only days before Manchester United’s season opener against Fulham, is expected to return in November, according to reports. Despite initial hopes of a return last month, the England star is still on the sidelines waiting for his season debut. Manager Erik ten Hag, on the other hand, remains optimistic about Shaw’s rehabilitation, stating recently, “We hope Luke Shaw can return after the international break quickly.” He added cautiously, “I’m not sure if this is the first game we’re aiming for. I can’t tell you 100% with security right now, but we have two-and-a-half weeks to get to the point, and he will absolutely be there shortly after.
Tyrell Malacia’s absence since the end of the 2022/23 season due to a knee issue continues, although his rehabilitation is making steady strides.
In August, Ten Hag provided a hopeful outlook for the defender: “He is not that far [off], but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games. I think it would be possible [to be available again] in two months.”
Malacia has been spotted back on the Carrington turf, participating in training sessions, which confirms his recovery is progressing well.