As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City, securing a victory is imperative to guarantee a spot in the UEFA Europa League. United finished eighth in the Premier League despite a win over Brighton & Hove Albion on the season’s final day. However, wins for Newcastle and Chelsea meant that Erik ten Hag’s side missed out on a European place through the league.
Next week’s focus shifts to Wembley Stadium, where United faces City, who are riding high after clinching their fourth consecutive Premier League title and are eager to secure back-to-back doubles. United, currently grappling with multiple injuries within the squad, remains hopeful for the return of key players ahead of this crucial clash.
Here’s the latest update from Manchester United’s treatment room:
Lisandro Martinez
Injury: Calf
Martinez made his first Premier League start since February in the match against Brighton, completing an hour on the field—a significant step in his recovery journey.
Ten Hag’s Update: “Licha had a good session now as well, others on the pitch like Rapha, Victor Lindelof, we have to see how far they are on Sunday. Tomorrow we’re off, Saturday we have training.”
Expected Return Date: Manchester City (FA Cup final) – May 25
Raphael Varane
Injury: Muscle
Varane came off the bench in the match against Brighton and is expected to be fit for Wembley.
Ten Hag’s Update: “Licha had a good session now as well, others on the pitch like Rapha, Victor Lindelof, we have to see how far they are on Sunday. Tomorrow we’re off, Saturday we have training.”
Expected Return Date: Manchester City (FA Cup final) – May 25
Luke Shaw
Injury: Muscle
Shaw’s recovery remains uncertain, with Ten Hag expressing doubts about his readiness for the FA Cup final.
Ten Hag’s Update: “Luke is more complicated in this moment, let’s say it’s less of a chance he will make it but still a very small chance. He had a setback, now we have to find out how far it is.”
Expected Return Date: Manchester City (FA Cup final) – May 25 (doubtful)
Victor Lindelof
Injury: Hamstring
Lindelof’s fitness will be assessed closer to the weekend, but he remains a possibility for the final.
Ten Hag’s Update: “Victor Lindelof, we have to see how far he is on Sunday. Tomorrow we’re off, Saturday we have training.”
Expected Return Date: Manchester City (FA Cup final) – May 25
Harry Maguire
Injury: Muscle
Maguire, who missed the final Premier League game, is being worked on intensively to make a return for the FA Cup final.
Ten Hag’s Update: “For England I can’t say but for the cup final we’re working on it. Harry Maguire has a fair chance that he will be available.”
Expected Return Date: Manchester City (FA Cup final) – May 25
Tyrell Malacia
Injury: Knee
Malacia’s chances of featuring in the final game of the season are slim due to ongoing setbacks in his recovery process.
Ten Hag’s Update: “I think it’s going to be difficult for this season to be available. He will fight, he’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the process had some setbacks and is still going really slowly forward, and the season is going to an end.”
Expected Return Date: Unknown
Mason Mount
Injury: Unknown
Mount has been sidelined for most of the campaign with a calf injury, but his current issue remains unspecified.
Expected Return Date: Unknown
Anthony Martial
Injury: Groin
Martial has returned to training this week following a lengthy injury lay-off. He has been out of action since December due to surgery on a groin issue.
Ten Hag’s Update: “Anthony was partly in the team training.”
Expected Return Date: Unknown
Conclusion
Manchester United faces a challenging situation with several key players’ fitness in question ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City. The team’s medical staff is working tirelessly to get as many players match-ready as possible. With pivotal players like Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire aiming to return, United fans will be hoping for positive news as the showdown at Wembley approaches. Stay tuned for more updates as the matchday draws closer.
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