Manchester United face Porto this evening in what is a huge game, not only in the course of their season, but for the future of manager Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester Evening News reported on Monday that the club are planning to stick with Ten Hag as manager for now, despite an awful start to the season.
United are currently languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table and are already eight points adrift of league leaders Liverpool after just six matches.
After a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday, this week’s double header of Porto away in the Europa League and Aston Villa away in the Premier League could be crucial for Ten Hag’s future.
FC Twente held United to a disappointing 1-1 draw in their opening Europa League match and Ten Hag will be desperate to find the first win of their campaign in Portugal this evening.
He travels to the Estadio do Dragao with a relatively strong squad, too, with Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo joining the travelling squad. Here is a full round-up of United’s injury situation ahead of the Europa League clash.
Mason Mount
Injury: Unspecified knock and head injury
Mount missed the open training session on Wednesday morning as a precaution. He has not travelled to Portugal with the rest of the United squad.
What Ten Hag has said: “He had a head injury and also he picked up a knock. They are the two reasons why he is not available for tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Aston Villa (A) (Sunday, October 6)
Luke Shaw
Injury: Calf
What Ten Hag has said: “On the left back, they are improving but I don’t expect them back before the international break. But we hope Luke Shaw can return after the international break quickly.
“I don’t know if it’s the first game, we’re hoping for. I can’t in this moment tell this 100 per cent with security but from now on we have two-and-a-half weeks to work to the point but shortly definitely after he will be there.
Potential return date: Fenerbahce (A) (Thursday, October 24)
Leny Yoro
Injury: Ankle
What Ten Hag has said: “Yes, he is doing very well. It is very pleasing that his rehab is going in the right direction, and I expect him soon, but what I mean by soon is that he is now in the right planning process. He is in the right spot, and he will return as soon as possible into the squad and then the team training.”
Potential return date: November
Tyrell Malacia
Injury: Knee
What Ten Hag has said: “Tyrell Malacia makes very good progress on the pitch and now he has to make the step to full team training.”
Potential return date: November/December