Manchester United’s 2024/25 season has been anything but smooth. The club, which has faced disjointed performances, is also battling a persistent injury crisis that has exacerbated their struggles. Erik ten Hag’s squad, already under immense pressure due to inconsistent results, continues to lose vital players at crucial moments. Injuries have severely impacted the defence and midfield, making Ten Hag’s task of stabilizing the team even more difficult.
As the Red Devils prepare for their upcoming fixture against Brentford, the latest injury updates reveal some good news, with a few key players potentially returning to action. However, several important figures remain on the sidelines, and their absence could influence the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
1. Leny Yoro: Long-Awaited Return
One of Manchester United’s summer signings, Leny Yoro, has yet to make his competitive debut for the club. The teenage defender, who arrived with much fanfare, sustained a foot injury during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal. This setback required surgery, ruling him out for the start of the 2024/25 season.
Fortunately for United, Yoro’s recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to return to full training in November. While his absence has been felt, especially with the club’s defensive frailties this season, his impending comeback could provide a much-needed boost to Ten Hag’s defensive options.
2. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia: A Calf and Knee Recovery
Luke Shaw has been one of Manchester United’s most dependable players in recent years, but his absence has been a significant blow this season. Shaw, who hasn’t featured since Euro 2024, has been sidelined with a calf injury, and the team has struggled in his absence. His return is eagerly anticipated, and there’s a chance that he could feature in the upcoming game against Brentford. However, the coaching staff will likely make a final decision closer to the match.
Tyrell Malacia, who has been a long-term absentee due to a knee injury, is also edging closer to a return. The Dutch left-back missed the entirety of last season due to surgery, and although Ten Hag initially predicted he would be out for several months, Malacia is now nearing full fitness. It is possible he could be part of the matchday squad against Brentford, but United will likely be cautious with his reintegration.
3. Harry Maguire: Another Setback
Just when Harry Maguire seemed to be regaining form, he was forced off with an injury during a goalless draw against Aston Villa. The center-back had recently scored a crucial equalizer in the Europa League, but his luck ran out at Villa Park when he was substituted at half-time due to an undisclosed issue.
Maguire later took to Instagram to express his frustration, noting that he would be sidelined for a few weeks. While the exact nature of his injury remains unclear, Maguire is expected to miss the Brentford game but could be in contention for the following week’s clash against West Ham United on October 27.
4. Manuel Ugarte: International Duty Woes
Manuel Ugarte’s start to life at Manchester United has been difficult, and his recent injury on international duty with Uruguay has only added to his woes. Ugarte was withdrawn in the 82nd minute during Uruguay’s goalless draw with Ecuador due to a calf issue. It remains to be seen how severe the injury is, but the midfielder is now a doubt for the Brentford clash.
Ugarte’s absence, should it be confirmed, would be another blow to United’s already depleted midfield. His physical presence and energy in the middle of the park have been valuable assets in a struggling side, and Ten Hag will hope that his injury does not keep him out for long.
5. Noussair Mazraoui: Health Scare
Manchester United’s summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has been dealing with a more concerning health issue. The Moroccan full-back had to withdraw from international duty during the October break to undergo surgery after experiencing heart palpitations. His condition has been closely monitored, but there is no definitive timeline for his return to action.
While Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, provided reassurance that Mazraoui is not suffering from a dangerous illness, the uncertainty around his fitness means United will have to proceed cautiously with his recovery.
6. Positive Updates: Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo
Despite the long list of injuries, there are some positive developments for Manchester United. Mason Mount, who has struggled with injuries this season, including a recent head injury during a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, is expected to be available for selection against Brentford. The former Chelsea star has had time to recover during the international break, and his return will provide a creative spark that the team has missed in recent games.
Alejandro Garnacho, one of United’s brightest young talents, was forced to withdraw from Argentina’s squad over the international break due to a knee injury. Garnacho himself has admitted to suffering knee problems in matches against Porto and Aston Villa. However, his injury is not believed to be long-term, and the club is hopeful that he will be fit for the Brentford match.
Amad Diallo, another promising young attacker, also withdrew from international duty with Ivory Coast for medical reasons. While the specifics of his illness remain unclear, Diallo has returned to Manchester and could be available for the Brentford fixture.
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7. Kobbie Mainoo: Precautionary Withdrawal
Kobbie Mainoo, another promising youngster, had to withdraw from England’s squad during the October international break after picking up a knock. The injury is believed to be minor, and Mainoo is expected to be fit for the Brentford match. His return will add depth to Ten Hag’s midfield options as they navigate a packed fixture schedule.
Mixed Fortunes Ahead of Brentford
As Manchester United prepare to face Brentford, Erik ten Hag will undoubtedly be concerned about the growing injury list. While the potential return of players like Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia brings some optimism, the continued absence of key figures like Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Manuel Ugarte leaves question marks over the squad’s depth.
United’s medical team will need to carefully manage the players’ recoveries as the club looks to navigate a challenging period in the Premier League. With a crucial run of fixtures ahead, United fans will hope for some relief from the injury crisis sooner rather than later
