Manchester United head to Burnley in desperate need of three points and an improved performance this weekend.
The Red Devils have endured a torrid start to the new campaign and have lost four of their opening six in all competitions, including all three away matches in 2023/24. Wednesday’s 4-3 defeat at Bayern Munich was the latest setback for Erik ten Hag’s side, with concerns about the team’s fight, organisation and depth raised after the loss in Bavaria.
While Ten Hag is under perhaps facing more pressure than any other period so far of his tenure at Old Trafford, the Dutchman hasn’t been helped by a spate of injury problems. United are currently without nine senior players, including the likes of Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mason Mount.
A report in ESPN claimed two of those could be available against Burnley this weekend, which would be a huge boost for Ten Hag, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire also picking up problems this week. In addition, the Red Devils were without Antony and Jadon Sancho against Bayern, meaning Facundo Pellistri was handed just his second-ever start for the club, at the Allianz Arena.
In total, 12 players were unavailable for the midweek Champions League match, and we’ve rounded up the latest on every absentee ahead of Saturday’s clash in Burnley…
1. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
United confirmed on Monday that the ex-Crystal Palace man will be out for ‘several weeks’.
2. Raphael Varane
The defender hasn’t played since 26 August but was back in training this week and could be an option for Ten Hag.
3. Harry Maguire
Another who trained during the week but was omitted from the squad that flew to Germany, due to a minor knock. He might be back in time for Saturday’s clash.
4. Luke Shaw
Out for a few more weeks at least, and there’s no indication when the left-back will return.