Manchester United’s difficult start to the season has already highlighted just how much Michael Carrick’s side miss Amad Diallo.
The Ivorian looked sharp during pre-season.
However, he is yet to make a competitive appearance this campaign because of injury.
He has only recently returned to work on the grass at Carrington.
Without him, United have lacked a genuinely direct outlet on the wing.
Bryan Mbeumo has regularly operated from the right, but Amad’s ability to attack defenders and carry possession has been noticeably absent.
It has contributed to a miserable opening few weeks for United.
Carrick’s side have only won twice in six matches across all competitions, beating Ipswich Town and Sabah FK.
They were defeated by newly-promoted Hull City on opening day before drawing 2-2 with Everton.
Things have since deteriorated further.
United lost 1-0 to Manchester City and then surrendered a two-goal advantage against Brighton, losing 3-2 and crashing out of the League Cup.
Amid those attacking concerns, another United wide player has now been forced off the pitch with an injury.
Manchester United attacker suffers injury
Samuel Lusale was forced off during Manchester Untied Under-21s’ Premier League 2 clash with Brentford on Friday evening.
As confirmed on the Manchester United website, the 19-year-old winger went down injured in the 28th minute, with play delayed while he received treatment.
Lusale attempted to continue but could not shake off the problem.
United eventually replaced him with Bendito Mantato in the 32nd minute.
At the time of writing, United and Brentford are level at 1-1.
Isaac Holland opened the scoring for the visitors before Amir Ibragimov equalised in first-half stoppage time.
Lusale joined United from Crystal Palace in 2024 and is regarded as an exciting wide prospect.
The Slovakia youth international is known for his acceleration and willingness to take defenders on, making the nature of his injury particularly frustating.
United will now hope the early withdrawal was precautionary rather than the beginning of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.