Manchester United are facing a significant injury crisis ahead of their Europa League encounter with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday. The team will be without at least eight players for the match, posing a challenge for manager Erik ten Hag in terms of squad selection.
One piece of positive news for the Red Devils is the return of summer signing Leny Yoro to training. The young defender has progressed to the next phase of his recovery after suffering a fractured metatarsal.
Despite this development, Yoro is not expected to make his return to the first-team lineup until the end of the upcoming month, as he continues his rehabilitation process.
The injury list for United includes several key players. Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are both sidelined with muscle injuries, while Luke Shaw is dealing with a calf problem. Tyrell Malacia remains unavailable due to a knee injury, Mason Mount is out with a knock, and Toby Collyer is also absent with an unspecified issue.
Midfielder Casemiro, who was forced off during United’s 2-1 victory over Brentford with a potential calf injury, will be assessed ahead of the match to determine his availability.
Adding to the selection woes, captain Bruno Fernandes will miss the game due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the team’s 3-3 draw with Porto three weeks ago. In his absence, Christian Eriksen may be deployed in the number 10 role to fill the creative gap left by Fernandes. Up front, Rasmus Hojlund, who scored the decisive goal against Brentford, or Joshua Zirkzee could be chosen to lead the attack.
The wide positions may see Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford retain their spots following impressive performances against Brentford, though Ten Hag could opt for some rotation, potentially giving starts to Amad Diallo or Antony. In midfield, Manuel Ugarte, who recently returned from an injury suffered during international duty, could be ready to start after being an unused substitute in the last match.
Defensively, Noussair Mazraoui is in contention to start at right-back, which might result in Diogo Dalot shifting to the left-back position. Lisandro Martinez is expected to feature in central defense, partnering with either Matthijs de Ligt or Jonny Evans. The potential starting lineup for United could be: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro; Garnacho, Eriksen, Rashford; Hojlund.
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