As the Manchester derby approaches, Manchester United faces a relatively lighter injury list compared to recent weeks, with just a few notable absentees. Ruben Amorim, who is preparing for his first derby since taking charge at United, will be hoping to field a competitive squad despite the injury concerns.
The Portuguese manager, who took over at Old Trafford less than a month ago, has seen a few players return to fitness just in time for the crucial clash. While Amorim might still be adjusting to the high stakes of this fixture, his recent success in Europe, leading Sporting CP to a 4-1 victory over Manchester City, has provided him with valuable insight into the challenges posed by Pep Guardiola’s side.
Although United’s form remains a work in progress
, a win in this Manchester derby would go a long way in solidifying the manager’s standing with the fanbase after a period of unrest. As the match draws near, let’s take a closer look at the injury status of key Manchester United players who will miss the clash.
Goalkeepers and Defenders
The Red Devils have received positive news regarding their defensive line, with a number of players returning from injury in recent weeks. However, there are still some notable absences as United heads into the derby.
Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof, who has been sidelined since the November international break, made his return to the matchday squad for the midweek fixture against Viktoria Plzen. While he was available for selection, Lindelof did not feature off the bench. His return to full fitness will be crucial for Amorim, who will need his experienced presence in the defensive line.
Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro
Both Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro have also returned to the squad after recovering from injuries. Both players have been included in recent matchday squads and are in contention to start in the derby against Manchester City. Their availability gives Amorim more flexibility in his defensive setup, which will be key as United face a potent attacking side in City.
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans, who made his first start for United under Amorim against Ipswich Town in late November, has since been unavailable due to an unspecified injury. Despite returning to training ahead of the trip to Plzen, the veteran defender was not included in the squad for the match. Given that United’s defense is now more or less fit, Evans is unlikely to feature against City. Even if he recovers in time, his place in the squad could be at risk as Amorim opts for more in-form options.
Injury List for the Manchester Derby
While the defensive options have largely improved, United is still dealing with a couple of key absentees. These injuries could have an impact on the team’s performance during the high-intensity derby.
Luke Shaw
The most significant absentee for Manchester United ahead of the derby is left-back Luke Shaw. Shaw has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action. This injury came after a string of appearances off the bench earlier in the season following his recovery from a calf issue. The English defender has not featured since the start of December, and given the nature of his injury, Shaw is unlikely to return to the pitch until well into 2025.
Summary of Injuries Ahead of the Manchester Derby
Here is a summary of the current injury situation at Manchester United as they prepare for the Manchester City clash:
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jonny Evans | Unspecified | Doubt |
| Luke Shaw | Hamstring | Out |
While Amorim’s squad appears healthier than it has in recent weeks, the absence of Luke Shaw remains a significant blow, especially given the intensity of the derby. United’s defense will need to be at its best to counter the attacking threat posed by Manchester City, and while Lindelof, Maguire, and Yoro’s returns offer hope, Shaw’s absence means the left-back position is a key area for potential vulnerability.
Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester derby will be a huge test of his managerial skills, and with his squad coming together, the result could shape his early tenure at Old Trafford. However, with a few players still sidelined, the clash against City is sure to present a tough challenge for the United manager and his squad.
