Mason Mount and Harry Maguire are on the cusp of making their comebacks in the upcoming EFL Cup third-round showdown against Crystal Palace at the iconic Old Trafford.
The absence of Mason Mount, who last graced the pitch during the clash with Tottenham Hotspur on August 19, due to a frustrating muscular injury, has been deeply felt by the Red Devils. However, recent developments paint a more promising picture. Mount returned to first-team training last week, raising expectations of his inclusion in the squad for Saturday’s fixture against Burnley. Alas, he was absent at Turf Moor. Yet, hope shines bright as he was spotted in full training with the Red Devils ahead of the eagerly anticipated EFL Cup contest with Palace. All signs point to his involvement at the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford.
The towering presence of Harry Maguire, the formidable centre-back, had been missing in action during the last two crucial games against Bayern Munich and Burnley due to an untimely issue. However, the Monday training session saw him back in action, indicating that he is well on his way to recovery.
In other news, Raphael Varane marked his return as a late substitute in the Burnley game. evHowever, Lisandro Martinez had to sit out due to a foot injury, and Sergio Reguilon had to exit the pitch late due to illness. The injury list also includes Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, and Amad Diallo.
Antony continues to be sidelined due to personal reasons, while Jadon Sancho remains separated from the first team due to a conflict with head coach Erik ten Hag.
Jonny Evans, despite experiencing cramps in the latter stages of the Burnley clash, is expected to be available for selection against Palace. The Northern Ireland international is eager to make his second successive start after impressing against Vincent Kompany’s side.
Erik ten Hag praised Evans, saying, “We decided to sign him because I think he can be really contributing in the squad. And today (Saturday) you have seen how massively important he can be.”
Evans expressed his delight, “I loved every minute of it. Sometimes you get a feeling, and I couldn’t wait – you get pure excitement, and coming up on the bus I was just so buzzing. I never thought I’d ever play 200 games, but it was an absolute honor, and one of the best nights of my life just to come back and play for this club again. To be back here and in front of these fans was a dream come true, and it couldn’t have gone any better.”
As the anticipation builds, Manchester United is gearing up for back-to-back clashes against Crystal Palace, with the Eagles set to visit Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The stage is set for an action-packed showdown as the Red Devils welcome back their star players, Mount and Maguire, to the fold.
