Man Utd team news for Manchester derby with surprise return giving team major boost

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks set to be able to call upon the services of Luke Shaw for this afternoon’s crunch Premier League derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The defender, who has been plagued by injuries this season, arrived at the stadium shortly before 12:45 PM BST alongside teammates, carrying his boot bag—a strong hint he’s in contention for the matchday squad.

Shaw’s potential return is a major boost for Amorim, who has been grappling with a lengthy injury list as United sit 13th in the table ahead of this Matchday 31 clash, kicking off at 4:30 PM BST.

The 29-year-old left-back hasn’t featured since a calf issue sidelined him in February, but his presence at Old Trafford suggests he could at least make the bench—welcome news with Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Tyrell Malacia already ruled out.

The Manchester Evening News spotted several key players arriving earlier today. Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui were among the defensive contingent, while midfielders Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes—expected to drop into a deeper role—were also present.

Up top, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, and Joshua Zirkzee arrived, with Garnacho tipped to start after a social media hint from the club yesterday showing him in training gear.However, there’s uncertainty over Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo.

De Ligt, who turned his ankle in last week’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, completed that game but is listed as a doubt. Amorim said on Friday, “Matthijs felt something, we’ll assess him right up to the last minute.”

Mainoo, meanwhile, has returned to training after a month out with a hamstring injury, but the head coach tempered expectations: “Kobbie’s back with the group, but he’s not ready for 90 minutes. We’ll see if he can contribute.

”Also absent are Amad Diallo (hamstring), Ayden Heaven (unspecified injury), and Lisandro Martinez (back), all confirmed out earlier this week. Backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton is doubtful after missing training, leaving Altay Bayindir as the likely deputy to Onana.Here’s the provisional 20-man squad based on arrivals and Amorim’s latest updates:

Amorim is expected to stick with his 3-4-2-1 formation, with Maguire likely to anchor the back three if De Ligt misses out. Shaw’s return could see him slot in at left wing-back, allowing Mikkel Dorgu—another youth prospect spotted arriving—to shift forward or rest.

Mount, back from a knock, might join Fernandes in the attacking midfield pivot, while Højlund and Zirkzee vie for the striker role.

Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction, and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community.

Stay tuned for confirmed lineups closer to kick-off, and follow our live blog for minute-by-minute updates from M16.