Ruben Amorim has already been handed massive injury boost ahead of first Manchester United match

Ruben Amorim has already been handed a massive fitness boost ahead of his first match as Manchester United head coach.

The 39-year-old takes charge of United for the first time when they face Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon, and their injury issues are easing up at the ideal time for the new boss. United have six injury doubts in defence alone ahead of their trip to Portman Road, but the good news is that three of those players have been involved in first-team training this week as they gear up for their respective returns to action.

Tyrell Malacia made his long-awaited return from injury against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy a week ago, while Leny Yoro is eying a competitive debut for the club in the coming weeks. Luke Shaw was also involved in the session as he continues his lengthy rehabilitation process. Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are both back at Carrington to undergo assessment for injuries they sustained on international duty, while Harry Maguire is yet to return to training following his own injury lay-off.

It remains to be seen if any of the defenders will be in contention to feature against Ipswich this weekend, but their impending returns to action are a huge boost to Amorim ahead of a packed fixture schedule that sees his side play two games a week for the foreseeable future.

There was another huge boost as Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo both took part in the session following their recent injury issues. Mainoo has not featured for United since their goalless draw with Aston Villa at the start of October.

Amid the defensive injury shortage, Amorim has already given plenty of youngsters a chance in first-team training with teenagers Godwill Kukonki and Daniel Armer both involved in Monday’s session.