Kobbie Mainoo has suffered an injury and can be out for weeks

Manchester United is poised to be without key midfield players Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte for their upcoming Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur, an encounter that holds significant implications for both clubs as the season unfolds.

According to a report from The Athletic, both Mainoo and Ugarte, along with teammate Toby Collyer, have faced injuries sustained during training sessions earlier this week. Mainoo’s situation appears particularly concerning, as he is expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks, which is unfortunate for the team, considering his developing role in the squad. Ugarte and Collyer are also likely to miss out on being included in the matchday lineup for the important clash against Spurs this Sunday in North London, leaving the squad in need of adjustments.

In light of the absence of these midfielders, manager Ruben Amorim will have to reconsider his starting XI. Notably, seasoned players Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are expected to return to the starting lineup. Their experience and leadership on the pitch will be invaluable for United as they aim to secure crucial points. Additionally, there is a silver lining in the form of 19-year-old academy product Jack Moorhouse, who will be integrating further with the first team. Moorhouse has already made a mark in the U-21 league, participating in seven matches this season and notching up two goals, which speaks to his potential as he steps into a more significant role.

In a recent press briefing, Amorim opened up about the challenges the team is currently facing. He stated, “(It) was a good week until two days ago, we had some problems. We don’t have players back, maybe we have one or two issues, we are waiting. We have one player who is sick, we will see on the weekend.” This admission highlights the pressure mounting on the team as they prepare for what is expected to be a demanding game against Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Following the fixture against Tottenham, Manchester United will turn their attention to another critical match on February 22, where they will compete against Everton at Goodison Park. This busy schedule underscores the necessity for depth in the team and the imperative for players to embrace their roles during challenging periods. The need for resilience and adaptability will be paramount as United strives to maintain their competitive edge in the crowded landscape of the Premier League, aiming to improve their standing as they move deeper into the season.