Man United could welcome back four key players for Everton clash after injury crisis

Manchester United could set for boosts in several key areas ahead of Everton’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The left-side of the defence has been a major, ongoing problem at the club for some time while the club has also been in the midst of a centre-back crisis across recent weeks.

At least one of those issues could be solved at the weekend with not one but two left backs returning to the matchday squad following long-term absences.

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Ruben Amorim played with wing backs in his first game in charge as Man Utd drew 1-1 at Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Diogo Dalot started in that role at Portman Road but was later replaced by specialist Luke Shaw. For Shaw, who featured for England in the final stages of the summer run to the Euros final, it was a first competitive club appearance since February.

Tyrell Malacia, the left back brought in to challenge Shaw, has not played since he was on international duty with the Netherlands in the summer of 2023. After two knee operations he was in action for Man Utd’s Under-21s last week and on the bench at Ipswich.

Also on the bench was England international Kobbie Mainoo as he returned to the squad after suffering a muscle issue in October. The central midfielder, who made his first Premier League start at Goodison Park 12 months ago, could therefore bolster Amorim’s ranks.

Another starlet who is closing on a return is teenage defender Lenny Yoro. With Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire all absent, he could in theory make his competitive debut against Everton - though he is being handled with caution as he concludes his comeback after fracturing his metatarsal in pre-season. Man Utd turned to Yoro after their pursuit of Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite, was rebuffed in the summer.