Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that Mason Mount also suffered "a knock" during Sunday's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to his head injury.
Mount was a notable absentee from the Man United squad that travelled to Portugal on Wednesday afternoon for the Europa League clash with Porto, although it was not a surprise to see him left out, having suffered a nasty head injury against Spurs.
Ten Hag, speaking during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday night, revealed a fresh blow for the playmaker, though, as the former Chelsea youngster is also carrying "a knock".
"He had a head injury and picked up a knock so they are the two reasons why he's not available for tomorrow," Ten Hag told reporters before providing an update on Luke Shaw, who is yet to feature this season due to a calf issue.
"On the left-back, they are improving but we hope Luke Shaw can return after the international break quickly. I don't know if it's the first game, we're hoping for [it], but I can't, in this moment, tell this with 100% security.
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Mount also picked up "a knock" against Spurs
"But, yeah, from now on, we have two-and-a-half weeks too work to that point. And, shortly after, he'll be there. Tyrell [Malacia] is making good progress on the pitch but has to make the step to full team training."
Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire have overcome injuries to make the trip to Portugal, but Leny Yoro remains on the sidelines, with the centre-back not expected to be available until the start of December.
Ten Hag was again questioned on his future on Wednesday, with the Dutchman's position unstable following a poor start to the season, and he could allegedly be sacked if there is not an improvement in the team's next two matches against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
"We are mad, mad with ourselves, especially when you lose a game like Sunday... but you have to deal with it. We are mad, and from the madness we have to get motivation," said the manager following the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
"Everyone has to take responsibility and that starts with me as the manager. But on the pitch we have leadership skills and they have to stand up. Every game for us is important and every opponent is 100% motivated. We have to be ready to compete and fight with them.
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Ten Hag says Man United "have to be ready to compete"
"We talk everyday (with new senior figures at Man United). We are a union and we made that commitment in the summer. We refreshed the staff and I appointed my assistants, I appointed the staff. I did this. We refreshed the squad as well.
"This club wants to be back on top and it's a long-term target. We talk every day. Every day we evaluate and review the process and where necessary we make our decisions.
"It's not necessary to give me confidence. We talk every day about how we can improve this club, this team, improve the processes, the procedures, the connections. That is what we talk about.
"In one game (vs. Spurs) there is a review of what we could have done better, for instance after conceding so quickly a goal which shouldn't happen, you have to keep calm and composed and stay in the game and stick to the plan. We can improve definitely."
Man United have only won three of their nine matches in all competitions this season, and they opened their 2024-25 Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw against FC Twente.
Matt Law
