Manchester United will be without star midfielder until after November international break

Manchester United do not expect star midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to return before the November international break.

Antony left the pitch in Istanbul on a stretcher last night. It was the latest of many injury blows to hit Manchester United this season.

Of course, it was a common occurrence last season as United suffered over 60 injuries throughout the season. Injuries are part of football but the amount we’ve suffered under Erik ten Hag in the past two seasons is unprecedented.

The manager must be wondering when we’ll see some relief in that regard. Ten Hag has been without a recognised left-back since the beginning of the season due to long-term injuries suffered by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

New signing Leny Yoro has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club, while Mason Mount and Harry Maguire are also joined in the treatment room.

Jonny Evans missed the draw against Fenerbahce on Thursday night with a knock. It remains to be seen if the Northern Ireland defender will be fit to face West Ham on Sunday. Despite his age of 36, Evans has been our best defender this season when called upon.

Antony’s injury proves that injuries are reaching unsustainable levels again. Does that mean we’re back to making those excuses again? Will they stack up in Ten Hag’s third season when it’s a reoccurrence of old issues?

It could be argued that it’s the same players suffering the injuries. Others will point to Ten Hag and the medical team for failing to prevent multiple muscle injuries.

Each to their own.

Manchester United fear repeat injury crisis after Kobbie Mainoo setback

According to The Telegraph, Ten Hag fears United’s season could be derailed if they do not find urgent answers to their latest injury crisis.

The report adds that Kobbie Mainoo is unlikely to return before the international break next month because of a muscle injury suffered in the goalless draw at Aston Villa almost three weeks ago.

Toby Collyer wasn’t part of the squad that drew with Fenerbahce and it’s understood that he took a knock in training.

It doesn’t bode well for the coming weeks because Ten Hag needs positive results. I don’t think the injuries excuse will work this season. Not after last season.