For all the talk of a crisis, Manchester United head into the international break as one of the Premier League’s form teams.
While Saturday’s win over Luton at Old Trafford was hardly swashbuckling stuff, Erik ten Hag’s side now won four of their last five League games.
With that in mind, despite a largely miserable start to the season, perhaps a push for the top four is not out of the question.
Trying to analyse United’s difficult start also requires applying context. Ten Hag has been without a number of key players due to various injuries, albeit the problems upstairs at the club appear to be far more deep-rooted.
Still dealing with absences, here’s a look at the latest Man United injuries.
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund came off against Luton holding his hamstring and has since withdrawn from Denmark duty over the international break.
“In this moment, I can't comment anything about it because I don't know the assessment,” said Ten Hag on Saturday. “You have to wait 24 hours. Give them and the medical (team) 24 hours to see what is the problem, if there is a problem."
Since then, a club statement has pointed to a potential return by the end of the month for Hojlund.
Potential return date: November 29, vs Galatasaray
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen was also forced off on Saturday with what appeared to be a knee injury. Like Hojlund, he withdrew from the Danish squad.
United have confirmed a knee injury will keep Eriksen out for around a month.
Potential return date: December 2023
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed Saturday’s victory with illness and is expected back after the international break.
Potential return date: Sunday 26 November vs Everton
Luke Shaw
England international Luke Shaw has only played twice this season due to a muscle injury but there is hope he will return after the international break.
Potential return date: Sunday 26 November vs Everton
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans returned to United over the summer and has since established himself back in the first-team. He was, however, injured during the dramatic loss to Copenhagen in the Champions League and is expected to miss a few weeks.
Potential return date: December
Casemiro
Influential midfielder Casemiro injured his hamstring in the Carabao Cup earlier this month and will likely miss most of December.
“I’m always a little bit holding back on such issues,” said ten Hag earlier this month.
“I expect some back but, for instance, Casemiro and Martinez are really strong injuries and I don’t expect them back before Christmas.”
Potential return date: January
Lisandro Martinez
Martinez, like Casemiro, seems unlikely to play again this year after undergoing surgery following a foot injury.
