Manchester United’s week gets even tougher following successive fixtures against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, with a trip to Chelsea next up on Saturday for the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag has experienced a number of injury issues of late, as well as bouts of illness throughout his squad, meaning options have been slightly limited in recent fixtures. Those who missed out against Tottenham in midweek remain doubts for this weekend, while the Dutchman will hope to have no further setbacks ahead of the trip to the capital.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Old Trafford and the expected return dates for those on the sidelines.
Anthony Martial
Martial has missed United’s last three fixtures after picking up a fresh knock in the 2-1 victory over Everton on October 9 and the Frenchman remains a doubt for this weekend.
He has now been ruled out with three separate injuries so far this season, although his current one is not expected to keep him out for the long-term. However, having failed to train in the early part of this week, the forward has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Chelsea.
Speaking on Friday, Ten Hag said: "He was on the [training] pitch, but he's not available for tomorrow. We have to see how it develops in the coming days."
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Harry Maguire
Maguire remains sidelined with the hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with England last month but is thought to be edging closer to a return to action for Man United.
It was initially reported he would face up to two weeks on the sidelines, yet he has already missed United’s six fixtures so far this month. There is a chance he could be included in the matchday squad once more this weekend, but only if he passes a late fitness test.
Speaking on October 14, Ten Hag said: “Harry will not make this, but it doesn’t take long; I think that next week he will be back in the team training or over the next week.”
Donny van de Beek
Van de Beek’s Man Utd career has taken another huge hit in recent weeks following his recent muscle injury, with the Dutchman not expected to return to action until the end of the month at the earliest.
The Dutchman has missed United’s last nine games in all competitions after picking up a knock that has become more serious than first anticipated. It was hoped he may be fit enough to feature this weekend, although that looks more unlikely as time goes on.
Speaking on October 7, Ten Hag said: “He had a muscle injury, and so it takes him a couple of weeks. He's back on the training grass, so he's outside, doing his work, but still individual. So, we have to wait for that moment.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Second choice right back Wan-Bissaka has managed just four minutes of action this season having fallen out of favour under Ten Hag since his arrival in the summer, although a recent injury has added to his woes.
His muscle injury is expected to ensure he remains in the treatment room for a continued period of time, with Ten Hag confirming that he will play no part in United’s upcoming fixtures after sustaining a “longer-term” issue, although he has returned to training this week at least.
Speaking on Friday, Ten Hag said: "Aaron is back on the pitch, so that's good news because we need everyone."
Brandon Williams
Forgotten Man United defender Williams has been out of action since returning to the club in the summer following his season-long loan spell at Norwich City, having picked up an injury during pre-season.
The versatile full-back has been named in United’s Premier League squad this year, although it is unlikely he will play any part after Ten Hag was willing to let him leave in the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, he is on the road to recovery and could return to first team training soon.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “I see good progress with Brandon Williams. He returned on the pitch, individual-based. Brandon probably [won't be] back in the squad for the games, but probably in the training for the team training."
Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe is another player who has been quickly forgotten about at Old Trafford this season, having returned from a loan spell at Napoli in the summer and failed to impress Ten Hag following his appointment as manager in May.
The centre back did, however, sustain an injury during pre-season and is unlikely to play any part in United’s matchday squads before Christmas. However, Ten Hag has provided an update on the player as he works his way back to full fitness.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “Axel is still in, working inside so he's not back on the pitch. I think it will be difficult for Axel to return before Christmas.”
