Man Utd injury crisis eases as FIVE return to squad for PAOK

Robin Bairner

Updated: 6 Nov 2024 12:17 GMT
3 min read

Manchester United have welcomed five key figures back to first-team training ahead of Thursday’s Europa League assignment against PAOK.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy will once again lead the Red Devils into the clash as he aims to protect his undefeated record as interim manager, which is a role he gained little over a week ago as Erik ten Hag was sacked.

Ten Hag often blamed the club’s injury crisis for the problems that he endured in the dugout, with the Dutchman winning only one of his final eight matches in charge.

It appears, however, that incoming manager Ruben Amorim is unlikely to have such chronic headaches coming from the physio room.

© IMAGO - Ruud van Nistelrooy has nearly a full squad to work with

Man Utd team news vs PAOK

Five Man Utd stars were spotting returning to training on Wednesday morning, and while all have been named in the squad to face PAOK, they are unlikely to all get minutes.

Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen all worked at Carrington during the group training session, leaving just a handful of players missing.

Crucially, all are certain to be available, barring unexpected setbacks, for Amorim’s first match in charge of the Red Devils against Ipswich Town away from home on 24 November.

Kobbie Mainoo was not present and will miss the clash against PAOK, with his return scheduled for the trip to Ipswich having been ruled out towards the end of October. He has been suffering from a thigh problem.

Similarly, Harry Maguire remains missing because of a problem but is also in line to face the Tractor Boys should he be selected by Amorim.

Greater concern continues to surround the case of Luke Shaw, who has been played by issues.

Speaking on 29 October, Ten Hag spoke of the left-back: “The process is not going as we expected. That's the truth. The setback, if you want to call it like this... We know his past; we have to do his recovery right. We can't have him playing for some games and then drop out again. So, we will do it very carefully.”