Manchester United’s battle with injuries has blighted the 2023/24 season, leaving the team stretched and several players doing more damage by pushing themselves to play.
Erik ten Hag has had his work cut out this season, unable to field his strongest team once.
Casemiro has been filling in at centre-back for the last three matches, which in turn, has left Manchester United stretched in midfield.
Scott McTominay for instance was not expected back from his knee problem in time for the FA Cup semi-final. He pushed himself to get through it, and then featured twice as a substitute in following games against Sheffield United and Burnley.
The game against Burnley was one too many for McTominay, who came on in the 65th minute and then had to be substituted in stoppage time as he was unable to continue.
Scott McTominay injury
Scott McTominay had to be helped off the pitch in injury time and was wincing as he was taken down the tunnel, with the game at Old Trafford fading out to a 1-1 draw.
During MUTV’s Matchday Review, presenter Mark Sullivan noted that he thought McTominay looked ‘distressed’ as he came off.
Pundit and former academy player Febian Brandy provided his observations, commenting: “From where we were sat, it didn’t look good.
“Scott’s not the type of player to say he wants to come off, so that alone looks like it potentially could be a bad one.
“You just pray its nothing serious, and something that’s going to be two or three days.”
Erik ten Hag on Scott McTominay injury
Manager Erik ten Hag has already effectively ruled Scott McTominay out of next week’s game away at Crystal Palace.
Speaking to MUTV post-game he said: “We have to assess this, to set the diagnosis. I don’t know in this moment to return [against Crystal Palace next month], I think it’s a little bit too quick turnaround.”
If Casemiro is needed in central defence again, then Mason Mount or Sofyan Amrabat could fill in. Both players came on in the closing stages against Burnley.
Christian Eriksen has started the last two games but continues to look off the pace.
Upcoming opponents Crystal Palace are in-form under new manager Oliver Glasner, and it will help to get a few players back.
What we don’t want, is to see them rushing too quickly, and ending up getting ruled out of the FA Cup final.
| Injury type | Projected return | |
| Bruno Fernandes | Hand | v Newcastle |
| Marcus Rashford | Ankle | v Newcastle |
| Raphael Varane | Muscular injury | Late May |
| Mason Mount | Unknown | Unknown |
| Victor Lindelof | Hamstring injury | Late May |
| Lisandro Martinez | Calf injury | v Newcastle |
| Luke Shaw | Thigh injury | Late May |
| Harry Maguire | Muscle injury | Late May |
| Anthony Martial | Groin injury | Late May |
| Tyrell Malacia | Knee injury | Unknown |