Manchester United are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, picking up seven wins across that time, and have forced their way back into Champions League contention in the process.
Rasmus Hojlund is finally scoring goals, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as one of England’s most promising youngsters and Andre Onana is quietly impressing.
Erik ten Hag’s job felt under threat around Christmas time, but the Dutchman has helped inspire a comeback in recent weeks and he’s done so with several big names out injured.
The recent win over Aston Villa saw Luke Shaw withdrawn at half-time as a precaution, while Lisandro Martinez suffered a potentially season-ending injury against West Ham the week prior. With Aaron-Wan Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia also out, Ten Hag is limited in regards to his defensive options.
Furthermore, summer signing Mason Mount remains sidelined following a tricky start to life at Old Trafford, and Anthony Martial is also unavailable.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through the latest Man Utd injury update.
Man Utd injuries
Luke Shaw
After Shaw was substituted at half-time against Villa, Ten Hag was quick to ensure that his withdrawal was simply a “precaution” for a player with “history of two many injuries.”
As a result, it’s hard to know when Shaw will return given the severity of his injury isn’t public knowledge. However, the England international could well return for the trip to Luton on Sunday. In any case, it’s not believed that his injury is too serious.
Possible Return Date: 18 February
Anthony Martial
Martial is set to leave Man Utd when his contract expires this summer, and the Frenchman may well have played his last game for the club if his current injury suffers any setbacks.
The Frenchman underwent surgery on a groin injury last month and is expected to be back to full fitness in 10 weeks.
Martial is expected to return in April, though it remains to be seen if he will play for Man Utd again as any setbacks could end his chances of putting on a Red Devils shirt again.
Possible Return Date: April
Lisandro Martinez
Man Utd are hoping that Martinez will return before the end of the season, but that depends on how quickly he is able to recover after sustaining a ligament knee injury against West Ham.
The Argentine has proven to be rather injury prone over the past 12 months and faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Ten Hag believes Martinez will return before the end of the season, with a two-month stint on the treatment table currently expected for the World Cup winner.
Possible Return Date: April
Mason Mount
Mount has made just 12 Man Utd appearances since his €64.2 million summer transfer from Chelsea and he hasn’t featured since November due to a reported calf injury.
The ex-England international also suffered a hamstring injury earlier this season and has been dealt with multiple setbacks in his return to fitness in recent weeks.
Mount has returned to training, but he was expected to make his comeback in January and Ten Hag has provided no information on when the former Chelsea midfielder will play again.
In fact, the Dutchman’s most recent comment regarding Mount was that he is “not ready to return to the squad.”
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Tyrell Malacia
Just like Mount, there has been very little new information regarding Malacia’s return over the past few weeks.
The Dutchman was expected to return in January, but he remains absent and may not play again until March. Ten Hag has not stated when Malacia will return, however the former Feyenoord defender is yet to play this season and will likely not be rushed back unless Shaw’s injury is more serious than first imagined.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka missed the win over Aston Villa after reportedly picking up a knock in training and Ten Hag is unaware of when he will return to full fitness.
The 26-year-old missed 10 games through a hamstring injury earlier this season, but the nature of his current setback has not been disclosed.
Wan-Bissaka could be back in action soon, however a return date has not been set.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Man Utd injury list
| Player | Injury | Possible Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Shaw | Unknown | 18 February |
| Anthony Martial | Groin | April |
| Lisandro Martinez | Knee | April |
| Mason Mount | Calf | Unknown |
| Tyrell Malacia | Knee | Unknown |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Unknown | Unknown |
Man Utd suspensions
Man Utd currently have no suspended players.
Man Utd team news
Next fixture: Luton Town (A) – 18 February
Martial, Martinez, Mount, Malacia and Wan-Bissaka will all be unavailable for Man Utd’s trip to Kenilworth Road on Sunday, 18 February.
Shaw may be available for selection, but it depends on whether he trains ahead of the match.
Victor Lindelof could start at left-back following his cameo in that role against Aston Villa, while Ten Hag is expected to remain with his current favoured attacking six.
Man Utd predicted line-up vs Luton Town: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.