Manchester United face off against their rivals Manchester City this weekend in the Premier League and could now miss the services of three important stars for the clash.
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim clarifies goalkeeper situation
The Manchester Derby rightfully has a spot as one of the most anticipated local rivalries in world football and Ruben Amorim will be looking for a morale-boosting victory at the home of the Citizens to further their cause for Premier League improvement.
Last term, Amad Diallo's late winner against Pep Guardiola's men in a 2-1 victory during the early stages of Amorim's tenure proved to be one of the highlights in a campaign full of lows for Manchester United. Other than that, supporters will be glad to view 2024/25 as a distant memory.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds fans after the match
Nevertheless, this season hasn't started without any hitches either, making Sunday's clash between two eternal enemies one that could go on to shape the dynamic of their respective endeavours over the next few months.
Looking ahead to the clash, Amorim confirmed that £18.2 million Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens will have to wait for his competitive debut after joining from Royal Antwerp on Deadline Day.
"Yeah (Altay Bayindir will play). It is the same thing I do with different positions, It is a different league, different country, different training, different ball, so they will fight for the position. I believe in Altay, he (Lammens) is ready to play but Altay is going to continue."
However, there are other concerns Amorim will need to deal with ahead of their upcoming derby clash, including the fact three of his players have been ruled out due to injury.
Man Utd trio set to miss Man City clash
Unfortunately, Manchester United trio Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot look set to miss the clash with Manchester City due to injury, Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press duties.
matheus-cunha-man-utd-mason-mount
"I think they are out for this game. I don't want to say (how long they will be missing). If you talk with Cunha, if you catch Cunha outside, he will say he can play this game! So I don't know. We will manage day by day, but they are pushing hard and that is a good thing."
Man Utd's injury list - who will miss Manchester Derby?
Lisandro Martinez
Matheus Cunha
Diogo Dalot
Mason Mount
The trio earn £415,000 per week between them at Old Trafford and have featured in all three of Manchester United's Premier League matches so far, so who could come in to replace them?
Kobbie Mainoo may well be a swap for Mount, while Casemiro may start in a deeper role to allow Bruno Fernandes more creative freedom. Patrick Dorgu may also be included higher up to allow greater tactical flexibility.
Either way, Manchester United are gearing up for their biggest match of the season so far and will need to be at the top of their game to take something come full-time at the Etihad.