Erik ten Hag handed huge injury boost as Man United duo edge towards full fitness

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to receive a much-needed boost in defence with the anticipated returns of Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia to full fitness.

Neither defender has featured for United this season, exacerbating the team’s defensive challenges.

Currently, the squad is also without Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans, all of whom have been ruled out of the upcoming Europa League clash against Fenerbahce on Thursday night.

Yoro, who joined the club for an initial fee of £52million from Lille during the summer transfer window, is yet to make his competitive debut for United.

The 18-year-old picked up a foot injury in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal in July and has been sidelined ever since.

Fortunately, the Frenchman has been diligently working on his rehabilitation and has recently started training on the grass at United’s Carrington training ground.

While the club is cautious about rushing him back too soon, he is expected to be fit enough to play by mid-November.

Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News reports that Malacia has been “looking sharp” in training.

The Dutch full-back has not played for United since May 2023 due to a serious knee injury but has rejoined first-team training for over a month.

United will adopt a very cautious approach with Malacia, mindful of the risk of re-injury if he is overworked.

Neither he nor Yoro is expected to feature in the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester on October 30, but both should be back in contention before the November international break.

Erik Ten Hag addressed the situation last month, noting that while Malacia has made “big steps” toward a return, the club remains cautious about his progress.

“Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away,” he said.

“Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.

“He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural. I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.”

Malacia’s fellow left-back, Luke Shaw, has not played since his appearance in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain on July 14.

While Shaw is nearing a return, Diogo Dalot will continue to fill in at left-back for the time being.

“They are back, but we can’t force their return,” Ten Hag said last week.

“We have to do it very carefully because we don’t want a return, and then they quickly drop out.

“But, of course, we hope to do it as soon as possible because this team needs a left full-back, that’s for sure.”

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