Ruben Amorim will be eager for at least one or two players to recover from injuries in time for his debut as Manchester United’s head coach against Ipswich Town. During Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim tenure, United secured three wins and one draw in four matches, bolstered by some fitness improvements in the latter games.
Mason Mount was included in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time since his injury against Tottenham during United’s 3-0 victory over Leicester City. However, he remained an unused substitute despite featuring in the midweek game against PAOK. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez appeared to sustain an injury during the Leicester clash, raising concerns.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni provided an update, saying, “We didn’t expect the case of Lisandro. We saw that he had suffered a blow to his back, but apparently, he had no problem, just pain. When he arrived here, the pain increased a bit, he underwent tests, and is not fit to be here.” Amorim will be keen to have the defender available for the upcoming match at Portman Road, given his importance to the team.
Kobbie Mainoo, sidelined since the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in early October due to a hamstring injury, is another key player whose return is eagerly anticipated. Interim boss Van Nistelrooy provided an update before the international break, saying, “Kobbie is also progressing in his injury, he’s making the right steps, but is not yet with the team. That needs a bit more time.”
Among long-term absentees, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro, who have yet to feature this season, have resumed team training. Given their extended absence, they are likely to be eased back into action, with a spot in the Ipswich matchday squad a possibility. Similarly, Harry Maguire, out since the Villa match, continues to recover but is still training indoors at Carrington. He is expected to have made progress during the international break.
Tyrell Malacia, who recently played for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy against Huddersfield Town, remains some way off a senior return. Reflecting on his extended absence, the left-back recently shared insights into his 18-month recovery, which included two knee surgeries.
