Man Utd handed double injury boost as injured players make returns

Manchester United were given a double injury boost on Tuesday with two players reaching significant milestones in their recuperations from long-term injuries.

The Red Devils have been without Kobbie Mainoo and Amad for the entire campaign to date, due to injuries they suffered in pre-season. Mainoo picked up a long-term ankle issue during a friendly defeat to Real Madrid in July, while Amad has been out with a knee problem.

The former has been back in first-team training for several weeks, and Erik ten Hag said on Friday that the midfielder could be involved in a matchday squad this week. That prediction proved correct, with Mainoo playing 45 minutes in United Under-19s' 1-0 loss to Copenhagen on Tuesday.

The teenager’s return will be a huge boost for Erik ten Hag, who selected Mainoo in his first four senior pre-season matches over the summer, before he suffered the ankle injury.

As for Amad, the ex-Atalanta man posted a clip on social media of him jugging a football, along with the captain ‘happy to touch the ball again’. Ten Hag hasn’t given an update on Amad in several weeks, and despite his continued recovery, the winger isn’t expected to be involved soon.

There was further good news for United on Monday, with Tyrell Malacia back in training. The Dutchman is another who hasn’t featured this season due to a pre-season injury, but was seen undergoing an individual training programme at Carrington ahead of United’s clash against Copenhagen. Like Amad, he’s unlikely to be involved in matches for a number of weeks.

Casemiro was involved in Monday sessions and is therefore expected to be an option for Sunday’s Manchester derby, despite struggling with a knock during the recent international break.