Indeed, it seems that all those with injuries have miraculously recovered. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim but it is quite the coincidence.
Again, that is just a joke as I do believe that it is just a coincidence. Not insinuating anything.
But as we saw, the new boss met some familiar faces at Carrington upon his first visit to the training ground.
Amorim was greeted by the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw among others who have been sidelined this season.
Since most of them have returned, here is a look at who the Portuguese will have at his disposal come Ipswich next Sunday.
Defense
Tyrell Malacia was subject to much ridicule online for being absent for so long. Yes it may not have been nice to see but considering his long layoff, you were always going to get some jokes, including from myself.
This all stems from a good place because we do rate the player and wanted to see him back in action as soon as possible.
And finally, after 517 days of absence (geez 😬), Malacia was back on the field. He featured in the under 21s EFL cup match against Huddersfield last night which unfortunately, the team lost (4-1) but at least we got to see him back.
But not only is one left-back available again, so is the other as Luke Shaw was training with the first team this past week and even met Amorim when he arrived at the training ground.
Shaw has been out for United since the 2-1 win at Luton back in February but somehow got himself fit to play for England at the recent Euros. He was then back in the medical room thereafter and hasn’t played for United at all this season.
But now, he is back.
How long is the question though 🤷♂️.
Leny Yoro was another pictured with Amorim. He hasn’t played at all in the season proper after he was injured with a metatarsal fracture he suffered in pre-season against Arsenal in the USA.
This week was the first time we saw him training with the first team since that injury.
He has a chance to slot straight in to Amorim’s system as part of a back three.
Lisandro Martinez picked up a knock while playing for United and had to pull out of Argentina duty despite being pictured on the plane to international duty.
I don’t think this is a bad thing (unless it’s a severe injury) as it can give the butcher some rest time to refresh and come back at 100% for United.
The only other defender that is a bit unknown is Harry Maguire. The ex-skipper posted a selfie on his Instagram with youngster Toby Collyer on the bicycle machine on the road to recovery.
Maguire has been out since the draw with Villa at the start of October with a knock. There’s been no updates on his return.
Midfield
As mentioned, Mainoo and Mount were seen with Amorim yesterday signally a return to regular first-team action soon. In fact Mount did play in the 2-0 win over PAOK although that was a cameo role in the final 10 minutes. However, that was his first minutes since the 3-0 loss to Spurs at the end of September. Despite having a head injury that forced him off, it was actually a hamstring injury that's kept him out for over a month.
Mainoo, like Maguire, has been out since the Villa game. The pair missed all of this period since the last international break.
Toby Colleyer looks set to make a return to the squad. He played two games this season, Liverpool and Barnsley, and many thought we would see more of him but Erik ten Hag was reluctant to use the youngster and his injury of course, also limited his game time.
Casemiro looked to have picked up a problem towards the end of the 3-0 win over Leicester this past Sunday and an update on him is yet to be given. With the international break though, he should have enough time to recover (unless it’s a hectic injury).
He would also want to be back quickly given how well he’s performed post ten Hag and the partnership he’s developed with Manuel Ugarte. Plus with players like Mainoo, Mount and Eriksen all ready to go, Casemiro may be worried about keeping his place.
That is the update on the squad. It appears that everyone is fit and available giving Ruben Amorim several options when it comes to picking his first XI on the 24th.
With basically a fully fit squad, who do you think Amorim will select against Ipswich?
Background Image: Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)