Manchester United suffered two injury blows during the 3-2 win over Burnley before the September international break.
It cannot be denied that injuries played a big role in Manchester United’s struggles last season.
Key members of United’s first team squad, such as Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, missed large chunks of the season due to injury, while Kobbie Mainoo failed to build on his performances from the previous campaign following multiple setbacks.
After a full pre-season with Ruben Amorim and improved facilities at Carrington training centre, there is hope that United can avoid as many injuries this season. It should help that there will be fewer fixtures because United aren’t in Europe and have already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
That means the players will have more time to rest and prepare for matches.
Matheus Cunha injury not as bad as initially feared
United recorded their first win of the season before the September international break.
United beat Burnley 3-2, but Amorim was dealt a double injury blow, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount forced off before the second half.
The £62.5m signing from Wolves was spotted walking out of Old Trafford freely following the match.
However, Cunha was withdrawn from the Brazil squad for this round of international fixtures and was believed to have been doubtful for the upcoming Manchester derby.
Speaking to reporters after the win over Burnley, Amorim admitted he was concerned about the two injuries.
Cunha provided a further update, stressing that he will return ‘soon’, but it came without any specific details on his recovery process.
According to The Sun, United are hopeful that Cunha will recover in time for the Manchester derby.
The report states that figures at United feel that Cunha’s injury is not as bad as initially feared.
It would be a big boost for United if Cunha is available to take on Pep Guardiola’s struggling Man City side after the international break.
Man City could have 10 absentees for derby
Guardiola may be on his own in the Premier League when it comes to managers who can’t complain about injuries, even when Man City suffer with them.
City have assembled multiple squads under the Spaniard, using State funding to fill each position in the squad with a variety of options.
Those with blue-tinted glasses will bullishly suggest injuries derailed City’s campaign last season, and those issues are rearing their head again, with excuses needed just three games in.
City could be without the following players for the Manchester derby:
- John Stones
- Abdukodir Khusanov
- Rico Lewis
- Rayan Cherki
- Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Phil Foden
- Nico O’Reilly
- Savinho
- Josko Gvardiol
- Mateo Kovacic
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Ll28khN