- Manchester United's injury curse has already struck in 2024/25 pre-season
- Red Devils missing a number of players for their friendly with Liverpool in United States
- Defence and attack have been particularly decimated by absentees
The injury bug was prevalent at Manchester United last season and it seems to have stuck around for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Red Devils have played just four friendlies this summer as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season but the treatment room is already filling up at an alarming rate.
Next up for Erik ten Hag is a pre-season affair with rivals Liverpool, coming up against fellow Dutchman Arne Slot in the dugout for the first time since their Eredivisie duels. However, he will be without an increasingly large cohort of first-teamers for the reunion.
Here is every Man Utd player unavailable for Sunday's clash in the United States.
Goalkeeper & defenders
Of course, the most devastating news from pre-season for Man Utd regards summer recruit Leny Yoro. Following his £52m move from Lille, the teenager sustained a nasty injury against Arsenal during the US tour and is staring at three months on the sidelines. It's a major blow for the youngster and the Red Devils.
The Frenchman is not the only player missing in the Man Utd backline. Luke Shaw is still recovering from his Euro 2024 exploits and won't team up with the Red Devils for the US tour, while long-term absentee Tyrell Malacia will make his return within the next two months.
Lisandro Martinez is also unavailable in the heart of defence after winning the Copa America with Argentina this summer, but should be in line to return in the near future. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and right-back Diogo Dalot are training in England but won't journey to the United States.
Midfielders
Man Utd have the majority of their midfielders available for the clash with Liverpool but influential teenager Kobbie Mainoo is missing. Still recovering from Euro 2024 with England, he should return to training before the Community Shield with Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes is also unavailable on Sunday, The Portuguese has returned to training at Carrington but hasn't ventured to the United States after his Euro 2024 involvement.
Forwards
Rasmus Hojlund had a few injury issues during his debut season with Man Utd and he is now in the treatment room again. After coming off early against Arsenal in the recent pre-season defeat, the Danish forward is likely to miss a minimum of three weeks.
The striker signed to share minutes with the Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, is training with Man Utd at Carrington, but hasn't travelled to North America after reaching the semi-final of Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho are missing due to their involvement at the Copa America, while both Antony and Marcus Rashford picked up injuries against Real Betis. It remains to be seen how long the wingers will be on the sidelines as a result of their fitness issues.
Every Man Utd player missing from against Liverpool
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Altay Bayindir | Out |
Leny Yoro | Out |
Luke Shaw | Out |
Tyrell Malacia | Out |
Lisandro Martinez | Out |
Diogo Dalot | Out |
Kobbie Mainoo | Out |
Bruno Fernandes | Out |
Rasmus Hojlund | Out |
Facundo Pellistri | Out |
Alejandro Garnacho | Out |
Marcus Rashford | Doubt |
Antony | Doubt |
