Man Utd players given major injury boost ahead of Forest clash on players returning

Manchester United are hopeful of welcoming back as many as six key players from injury as they prepare to resume their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest next week.

Manager Rúben Amorim could see his squad significantly strengthened for the trip to the City Ground on Tuesday, April 1, following a brutal injury crisis that has plagued the Red Devils throughout the season.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Harry Maguire is among those expected to return after missing the last four weeks with a knock that kept him out of United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City nine days ago.

The England centre-back was not risked for that match but is now nearing a comeback, offering Amorim a much-needed boost in defence.

Teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is another player Amorim will be optimistic about, with the 19-year-old sidelined for two months due to a muscle injury. Mainoo’s potential return would provide a major lift in the engine room, where United have been stretched thin.

The availability of other squad members remains uncertain, with their fitness to be assessed during training sessions this week ahead of the international break winding down. United have endured a torrid time with injuries this term, with up to 10 first-team players potentially missing their last outing before the break.

The likes of Luke Shaw and Mason Mount have been among the long-term absentees, while young centre-back Ayden Heaven was stretchered off against Leicester, adding to Amorim’s woes.

However, the latest updates suggest a brighter outlook for the Forest clash. Speaking earlier this month, Amorim had remained cautious but hopeful about his squad’s recovery timeline. “I don’t want to say anything definitive, but I have the hope to have some players back soon,” he said after a recent Europa League fixture.

“We’ll see how they progress.” The Portuguese tactician will be desperate for positive developments, with United languishing in 13th in the Premier League table and already out of both domestic cup competitions.Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, present a formidable challenge.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been one of the surprise packages of the season, sitting comfortably in the top half of the table and proving tough to break down at home. United’s last visit to the City Ground in December 2023 ended in a 2-1 defeat, underlining the scale of the task awaiting Amorim’s men.

The potential return of six players—Maguire and Mainoo among them—could give United the depth and quality needed to turn their season around. While the exact identities of the other four hopeful returnees remain unclear pending further training updates, the prospect of a bolstered squad has lifted spirits among fans and staff alike at Carrington.