Manchester United’s Champions League campaign is already under immense pressure, but the injury crisis at the club has reached a critical juncture. With the Atletico Madrid clash looming, key players remain sidelined, forcing manager Erik ten Hag to navigate a squad that is thinner than ever. Lisandro Martínez, the club’s first-choice left-back, is still recovering from an undisclosed injury, while Kobbie Mainoo’s availability remains uncertain ahead of the Leeds United game. Meanwhile, midfielders Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte—both vital to United’s tactical flexibility—are both out for extended periods, with Ugarte’s ACL tear from the World Cup ensuring he will miss the entire season.
The injury fallout extends beyond the immediate matchday squad. Tom Heaton, the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, has been working on his rehabilitation at Carrington but faces an uncertain return timeline, with no definitive date set. His absence adds another layer of complexity to a backline that has already struggled with consistency this term. Patrick Dorgu, another midfielder who suffered a thigh injury during Denmark’s Nations League campaign, is expected to be out until late November or early December, further thinning the squad’s depth in a crucial area. The combination of these absences leaves Ten Hag with limited options to rotate players effectively, particularly in a Champions League tie where tactical precision is paramount.
The most prolonged absence belongs to Manuel Ugarte, whose ACL tear at the World Cup has set him back for at least nine months. Reports suggest his rehabilitation is progressing, but his return is not expected until early 2027, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This is not the only international injury blow United has suffered—Ayden Heaven, who was a starter in Madrid last season, has also been sidelined by illness, with a potential return date set for either Wednesday, October 21, or Sunday, October 25. The club’s reliance on young talent like Heaven and Dorgu has been exposed, as both face lengthy recoveries that could impact their development trajectories.
Ten Hag’s ability to manage this injury crisis will be put to the test in the coming weeks. The Atletico Madrid game is a high-stakes encounter, and the lack of depth in key positions could prove decisive. While some players like Kobbie Mainoo may yet make it back for the Leeds United game, the broader picture remains bleak. United’s failure to win in five games across all competitions underscores the urgency of resolving these absences. Without a swift return of their core players, the Red Devils risk further erosion of momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
