Mainoo, Mount, Maguire: Man Utd injury & return dates as Red Devils get suspension reprieve for Europa League

Manchester United will be out to bounce back from Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham as they travel to face La Liga side Real Sociedad in the first leg of their round of 16 Europa League tie.

The Red Devils final hope of playing in Europe next season comes in the Europa League, with the winner of the competition granted a spot in the Champions League. United are all-but out of the race for a European spot via their Premier League placing.

Manager Ruben Amorim has been facing a host of injury problems in recent weeks but he will have a suspension reprieve for Thursday’s European game. Left-back Patrick Dorgu will be available for selection after being banned for the FA Cup clash with Fulham. The January signing was sent off for violent conduct in the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town last week but his ban does not carry across into European competitions, meaning he will be available for both legs of the round of 16.

While Dorgu is available to Amorim, a number of other players are set to remain sidelined for the trip to Real Sociedad.

Manchester United latest injury news and return dates

Toby Collyer - 6 March vs Real Sociedad (A)

Missed the Fulham clash as United could only name seven substitutes but Amorim has previously claimed he is the closest player to returning and he may be among the travelling squad to Spain.

Mason Mount - 16 March vs Leicester (A)

The former Chelsea man has dealt with a number of injury problems since his move to Old Trafford. Won’t be back this week but has an outside chance of returning before the international break.

Luke Shaw - 1 April vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Shaw has been dealt numerous injury set-backs and won’t be rushed back. Amorim does not have a specific date in mind for his return, but it could be early next month.

Kobbie Mainoo - 1 April vs Nottingham Forest (A)

The midfielder is expected to be sidelined until after the March international break. He has not played since the 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester City at the beginning of February.

Harry Maguire - Unknown

The defender picked up an injury against Fulham and was forced off just before extra time in the game. Speaking after the defeat, Amorim said: “I have to see how Harry Maguire is. It’s a tough moment in that aspect, but we have to move on. We will be a competitive team on Thursday.”

Altay Bayindir - Unknown

United do not have a specific date in mind for Bayindir's return to action but Amorim has confirmed he is making a recovery from his recent setback.

Tom Heaton - Unknown

Heaton is currently sidelined with an unspecified injury but Amorim also confirmed he is making a recovery. It would not be a surprise if he retired this summer.

Jonny Evans - Unknown

There have not been any specific updates on Evans for a while. It is not known how long he will be out for, or what role he will have even when he is available again.

Amad Diallo - End of the season

Amad was one of the few players giving United fans something to cheer but he suffered ankle ligament damage last month and is out for the season.

Lisandro Martinez - Unknown but out for the season at least

The defender has suffered an ACL injury and may not play again in 2025, although a timescale for his return has not been set.