Manchester United’s battered and bruised squad is in Premier League action for the final time this season when they visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s squad has been decimated by injuries throughout the campaign and the Dutchman is fighting to keep his job this summer following the arrival of new investors Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.
Mass fitness concerns and sloppy performances mean the Red Devils can still finish as low as eighth and their recent record against Brighton – coupled with significant absences in defence – suggests it could be a tough day on the south coast.
Here are the injured United stars who will play no part in proceedings at the AMEX Stadium this weekend.
It’s a familiar tale of woe in regards to defensive issues for Ten Hag, with a number of experienced players unable to feature on Sunday.
United hope to recover Harry Maguire in time for the FA Cup final against Manchester City and he may not be risked. Speaking before the game, Ten Hag said: “For the cup final, we’re working on [it]. I think Harry Maguire, I think it’s a fair chance that he will be available. We plan [for] him.”
Victor Lindelof has been sidelined since late March while Raphael Varane has been in and out of the team all season, but both defenders have partaken in training recently.
Ten Hag added: “Rapha Varane and Victor Lindelof, they returned on the pitch. We have to see how far [off a return] they are on Sunday. Tomorrow, we have off, Saturday we have a training, and then we will see what we have.”
Left-back remains a problem area, with Ten Hag casting doubt over Luke Shaw‘s availability for England at Euro 2024. Back-up option Tyrell Malacia hasn’t played all season and that won’t change on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez had featured in only five United matches this calendar year before coming on as a late substitute in the 3-2 win over Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Things are a little more stable in midfield. Mason Mount returned to the treatment room after playing 80 minutes in the 4-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace but there was no mention of the England international in the pre-match press conference.
Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay returned to the starting XI for the victory over Newcastle after shaking off fitness concerns.
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