Frank Christian
Manchester United has been facing a continuous challenge with player injuries.
During Erik ten Hag’s tenure, he frequently referenced his list of unavailable players to explain the team’s inconsistent results. Now, Ruben Amorim might find himself in a similar situation.
Though Amorim may prefer not to attribute poor performances to injuries—something Ten Hag was often criticized for—he would certainly benefit from having a full squad available for his debut match.
The Sporting News provides an overview of the current injuries at United, expected return dates for players, and what it means for Amorim as he prepares for his first game.
Current Injury Concerns for Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Tyrell Malacia are currently the players dealing with injuries.
Mainoo suffered a muscle injury during United’s scoreless draw with Aston Villa in October. Maguire has also been out since that match. Both left-backs, Shaw and Malacia, have been unavailable since the start of the season, with Malacia yet to play since May 2023.
Ruud van Nistelrooy recently indicated that Malacia might participate in some Under-21 games to regain his fitness after a long absence, which is positive news for the team. Shaw and Yoro have returned to training at Carrington, also a hopeful development.
Shaw, who played for England during Euro 2024, has been recovering from a calf issue since the summer and remains a crucial player for United when healthy.
Yoro, an exciting new signing from Lille, faced a serious foot injury during United’s pre-season trip to the USA, leading to high expectations for his future at the club.
HE’S HERE!! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/HNMCN1XvNd
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) November 11, 2024
Details of Injuries and Expected Return Dates
Below is the list of injured players and their expected return dates. Amorim will be hopeful for no new injuries following this week’s international matches.
| Player | Type of Injury | Expected Return |
| Luke Shaw | Calf | November 24 |
| Tyrell Malacia | Knee | Unknown |
| Leny Yoro | Foot | December |
| Kobbie Mainoo | Hamstring | November 24 |
| Harry Maguire | Muscular (leg) | December |
Expected Lineup for Ruben Amorim’s First Match
If both Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo can return for Amorim’s debut against Ipswich on November 24, it would be a significant advantage. When fit, both players are likely to be key selections in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. Fortunately for Amorim, neither will have international commitments during the current break, allowing for a thorough assessment before the match.
With Malacia potentially gaining match practice with United’s youth teams, there is hope he could be back with the first team before the end of the year. Maguire and Yoro are expected to return in December, strengthening the defense, although Amorim may need to manage without them initially.
Amorim will need to choose between Mainoo and Casemiro to join the in-form Manuel Uguarte in midfield. If Shaw is fit, he could play as left wing-back, causing either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui to take a spot on the bench or fall back into the defensive line. Alternatively, Shaw might even feature as left-sided center-back.
Projecting United’s XI vs Ipswich (3-4-3): Onana – Lindelof, De Ligt, Martinez – Mazraoui, Mainoo, Uguarte, Dalot – Fernandes, Hojlund, Amad.
