Manchester United's 2023/24 campaign was derailed by consistent injuries and fitness issues are already plaguing the Red Devils just a week into the new season.
Erik ten Hag was missing a host of players for his side's opening Premier League fixture against Fulham and there has been little improvement ahead of the clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday lunchtime.
Man Utd are desperate to start the campaign with two wins on the bounce but there are a number of players who won't be available for the journey south this weekend.
Defence is where Man Utd find themselves lightest, an issue they became accustomed with last season. At present, three players are guaranteed to miss the trip to Brighton, with left-back Luke Shaw one of them. The injury-prone 29-year-old now has a calf issue that will keep him out until after the September international break.
Tyrell Malacia is also absent after missing the entirety of last season and isn't expected back in the near future, while summer signing Leny Yoro will miss the next few months after sustaining a foot injury during a pre-season friendly. The £52m man could return in November.
Victor Lindelof also finds himself a doubt for Saturday's match. Recently pictured on crutches, it remains unclear when the Swede will be available.
Man Utd have a clean bill of health in midfield, which will come as a significant relief to Ten Hag after their issues in the centre of the park last season. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are likely to start at the base of midfield against Brighton, with Bruno Fernandes featuring in a more advanced role.
However, Man Utd did find themselves without Jadon Sancho for the opening game of the season. The wide midfielder has been consistently linked with a move away from Old Trafford but Ten Hag has revealed it was an ear infection that kept him out of the squad against Fulham. He should return this weekend.
Rasmus Hojlund had his fitness problems last season and they haven't disappeared this term. The imposing Denmark centre-forward injured his hamstring during a pre-season defeat to Arsenal in the United States and is now sidelined until mid-September.
As a result, Fernandes featured up front against Fulham, but it's expected that Joshua Zirkzee will start this weekend. The Dutch summer signing scored the winning goal against the Cottagers from the bench on his debut.
Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
Luke Shaw | Calf | Out |
Tyrell Malacia | Knee | Out |
Leny Yoro | Foot | Out |
Victor Lindelof | Unknown | Doubtful |
Rasmus Hojlund | Hamstring | Out |