njury issues continue to hit Manchester United as they look to secure a top-four finish.
Sunday’s win over Aston Villa came against the backdrop of several players either being absent or managing knocks.
One such man is Bruno Fernandes, who has admitted to still feeling the after-effects of his ankle complaint that had worried fans in recent days.
United are hoping to have Raphael Varane back before the end of the campaign while there have been updates on Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho, Donny van de Beek and Lisandro Martinez’s absences.
Here is your latest update of Manchester United injuries and return dates…
Bruno Fernandes
Despite being fit to play against Villa, Fernandes admitted post-match that he is still managing the ankle injury that has led to him wearing a protective boot between games.
“I’m happy to never be in a condition that doesn’t make me get out of games, but obviously, I had a knock in the semi-final that is still hurt a little bit, but I can play,” he said.
Erik ten Hag is not one for resting his players often but, with matches coming thick and fast, he will need to be attentive to this issue.
Raphael Varane
Ten Hag has revealed that Varane should be back in time to play the FA Cup final against Manchester City on June 3.
An ankle issue has ruled him out since mid-April and United are confident that his season is not over, despite reports suggesting it could be.
When pressed on the matter last week, the Red Devils boss said: “I think so. Yeah, Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”
An ankle issue has ruled Raphael Varane out since mid-April
/ Manchester United via Getty ImagScott McTominay
There is big uncertainty over when McTominay will be fit to play again for United, with his season at risk due to an unspecified injury.
Ten Hag told reporters last week: “Scott, we have to wait a little bit longer, I fear.
“But I am sure they are all motivated to be back as soon as possible as we play a lot of finals, huge games and, in the end, we know what is going on then.”
Lisandro Martinez
One player who will certainly not return this season is Martinez.
The defender suffered a broken metatarsal bone in his foot in the Europa League tie with Sevilla and has since undergone surgery, with a view to returning for pre-season.
Lisandro Martinez suffered a broken metatarsal bone in his foot
/ Instagram/@lisandromartinezzzDonny van de Beek
Next season is also the aim for Van de Beek following a positive injury update from the midfielder on his knee injury.
Out since January, he told MUTV: “I am, for now, doing a lot of gym work. But I am getting closer to being on the pitch so that is a positive. I am not far away.”
Alejandro Garnacho
A return to first-team training on Friday has put Garnacho in with a chance of playing again soon.
An ankle blow suffered against Fulham in March has led to a fairly long absence for the Argentine winger, who will now be targeting a spot in the squad to play Brighton on Thursday.
Alejandro Garnacho has made his return to first-team training
/ Manchester United via Getty ImagTom Heaton
It is fair to say that Heaton will not feature again this season after picking up an ankle complaint in March.
While his recovery timeframe was put down to “weeks”, it is hard to see him ousting either Jack Butland or David De Gea upon his return to fitness.
Phil Jones
A long-term knee injury continues to haunt Jones, who has reportedly not even trained under Ten Hag in the United first-team.
With his contract up at the end of the season, he has likely played for United for the last time.
