Manchester United could have found their next Van Nistelrooy – if Chelsea or Spurs don’t get there firstplaceholder image
Manchester United could have found their next Van Nistelrooy – if Chelsea or Spurs don’t get there first | Getty Images
Man United have just over a week before the play Everton with Ruben Amorim sweating on the fitness of three key players.
Manchester United still have a lot of work to do over the coming transfer windows in terms of adding depth to the squad with Ruben Amorim thankful that he doesn’t have a lengthy injury list.
The Red Devils boss saw two points dropped against Tottenham before the international break with disruption to his starting XI due to injury a mitigating factor as he continues to lead his side up the table.
Now above big-spending Liverpool, Amorim has a lot to be happy about with Everton up next at Old Trafford on the other side of the two-week domestic fixture break.
Early Man Utd injury news with five names on the list
There are currently five names on the doubtful list for United as the Toffees prepare to come to town, however, there is good news for Amorim. Lisandro Martinez is edging closer to a return to match play after nearly a year out due to requiring anterior cruciate ligament surgery. The Argentina international is back in training, but it could be a few weeks before he is given a chance off the bench to improve his sharpness. Having one of the squad’s leaders back will make a huge difference in training, even if he isn’t quite ready to play.
Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t been out quite as long as Martinez having only been out with a knock and, after two weeks rest and recuperation as well as extra work in the gym, he could be back in contention. Speculation is rife that the 20-year old could be on his way out of Old Trafford despite being a regular fixture in Amorim’s matchday squads.
"We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let's see. When we have to take out Maguire and Casemiro at the same time, then suffer two goals, then losing Ben, you have to overcome everything."
There is cover for Maguire, however, Casemiro has been in fine form of late and Amorim will be hoping that there is good news in the coming days.
Everton injury news ahead of Man United clash
David Moyes has one of the smallest squads in the Premier League after a summer exodus which also saw several loan players depart Goodison Park after their temporary contracts came to an end. If the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium has done anything, it has blessed the Everton boss with good fortune given how short his injury list currently is.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been out of action since the summer and won’t be available for selection until the new year, instead, the experienced duo of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have been tasked with keeping Jordan Pickford quiet between the sticks. The only other absentee is Nathan Patterson who has also gone under the knife to fix a troublesome hernia problem with the Scotland international struggling to stay fit since Moyes returned to the club.
Speaking after beating Fulham 2-0 before the international break, Moyes said of Iliman Ndiaye limping off: “I don't think it's anything serious. I think he picked up a bit of cramp and was worried about it. It was a wonderful goal he scored – and typical Ili. He's got dancing feet and it was a really good goal.”
Moyes also explained his decision not to bring Dibling off the bench with the summer signing having played less than 90 minutes so far this season: “Dwight’s (McNeil) been training really well these last couple of weeks and we thought it would be the right moment for him.”
Both sides are close to full strength which should make for a hard fought encounter, whoever comes out on top.
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