Manchester United will hope to once again cut the gap to the Champions League places when they take on Luton Town this Sunday.
Had Erik ten Hag’s side lost at Aston Villa last week, there would be an 11-point gap to the top four. Instead, the 2-1 win means the deficit stands at just six points, with five points to fifth-place Villa, a position which could provide a Champions League qualification place this season.
While United are on the rise, Villa’s recent dip is beginning to look more like an uncontrolled freefall. Injuries to key players haven’t helped, and the news that Boubacar Kamara is set to miss the rest of the season only compounds matters.
For United, it’s the opposition, with several significant players returning in recent weeks. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro have all started the last two league matches as Ten Hag’s XI is gaining more consistency.
With it, has come an improvement in results. United have won five out of six since the turn of the year and have been spurred on by an impressive attacking trident of Alejandro Garnacho, Ramsus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford. The trio have managed nine goals across the last five games, while Scott McTominay’s penchant for popping up with important goals is also proving more than useful.
It means there’s a sense of positivity around United ahead of this weekend’s trip to Kenilworth Road, and the Red Devils’ injury list could be down to just two players for Sunday’s game. Below, we’ve listed the latest on every injured and unavailable player from the two camps…
5. Lisandro Martinez - potential return date: 13 April
United confirmed last week that the World Cup winner will be out for a minimum of eight weeks with a knee injury.
6. Luke Shaw - potential return date: 18 February
Was taken off at half-time at Villa Park as a 'precaution', and is expected to be available this weekend.
7. Tyrell Malacia - potential return date: 18 February
Is back training on the grass and is closing on a return to the team. Malacia could be included in a match-day squad for the first time this season when United face Luton.
8. Mason Mount - potential return date: 18 February
Similar to Malacia and the midfielder is closing in on a return to the team. Mount's last appearance came in the 1-0 win over Luton in November.