Manchester United’s injury woes continue to mount as they enter the international break with yet another setback. With key players already sidelined, young defender Ayden Heaven has now joined the growing list of absentees, leaving manager Ruben Amorim facing a defensive crisis.
Ayden Heaven
The 18-year-old was stretchered off during his first Premier League start in United’s 3-0 victory over Leicester. Attempting to make a last-ditch defensive effort, Heaven landed awkwardly and was later seen in a protective boot, though without crutches.
After the match, Amorim admitted the extent of the injury remains unclear, stating:
“It’s hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week. And also because he is a young kid that doesn’t know how to explain and that makes it a little bit harder to understand what he is feeling.”
Leny Yoro
The highly-rated defender picked up a foot injury in the Arsenal match and has since missed victories over Real Sociedad and Leicester. However, Amorim played down concerns of a long-term absence, assuring reporters:
“No, no [Yoro’s absence] is not long-term.”
Harry Maguire
The England international has been struggling with a calf injury, causing him to miss United’s last two fixtures. Initially, there was hope he could return against Leicester, meaning a comeback after the international break is looking more likely.
Amad Diallo
Amad was expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering ankle ligament damage in training. However, in a surprising boost, Amorim hinted that the talented forward could make a return before the season concludes, saying:
“I don’t want to say anything definitive, but I have the hope to have Amad before the end of the season. We’ll see.”
Kobbie Mainoo
The young midfielder is on the road to recovery after sustaining an unspecified injury last month. His setback ruled him out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, but there’s optimism he could be available for United after the international break.
Luke Shaw
United’s left-back has endured a season plagued by injuries, making just three appearances so far. After a short-lived comeback in December, he suffered another muscle injury in February. Amorim remains hopeful Shaw could return before the campaign concludes.
Altay Bayindir & Tom Heaton
Back-up goalkeepers Bayindir and Heaton are both recovering from unspecified injuries. Amorim provided little clarity on their return dates, stating in February that they were “making progress” but offering no further details since.
Jonny Evans
Veteran defender Jonny Evans has been out since December with a back injury. His last matchday squad appearance was on December 26, and there has been no concrete update on his return.
Lisandro Martinez
Martinez suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in February and has since undergone surgery. The Argentine defender is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and isn’t expected back until late 2025.
With United’s injury list piling up, the upcoming international break could provide a much-needed opportunity for recovery. However, the club remains in a race against time to get key players fit as they prepare for the final stretch of the season. 🔴⚡
