Man Utd given injury boost over 3 players ahead of Premier League debut

News
by Mike Stephens
Friday, 01 August 2025 at 23:33
Screenshot 2025-08-01 at 22.29.20
Manchester United have been handed a timely boost with three key players returning to training - just over two weeks before their Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martínez, out since February with a serious knee injury, has resumed light training and is expected to be available after the September international break.
While his full return will take time, his presence on the training pitch has lifted spirits as new boss Rúben Amorim works to rebuild a defensive unit that struggled last season.
Andre Onana, sidelined with a hamstring strain, has also made progress. The goalkeeper has begun non-contact drills and could feature in United’s final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina.
His potential return is crucial, with the club hesitant to rush into signing a backup—though interest remains in Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez and Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega as alternatives.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee has returned to the pitch following a minor setback earlier in pre-season, reported the Manchester Evening News.
The Dutch forward, who picked up a hamstring issue after rushing back for the Europa League final in May, described the injury as “nothing serious” and aims to be fully fit for the season’s start.
These updates come as Amorim oversees a dramatic cultural and tactical overhaul at the club.
He has already made bold decisions, excluding several senior players—including Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia—from the U.S. tour in an effort to reset the squad’s mentality.
Sources suggest the dressing room is responding well to the changes, with Luke Shaw publicly backing the manager.
United’s summer business has included the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with striker Benjamin Šeško and forward Ollie Watkins still under consideration.
After finishing a disappointing 15th last season, optimism is cautiously returning at Old Trafford. Amorim’s side remains unbeaten in pre-season and will wrap up preparations with matches against Everton and Fiorentina before hosting Arsenal on August 17.
6 Comments