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Manchester United’s midfield reserves were severely depleted in recent games with multiple players missing. In fact, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy used the same combination in all four of his games.
Mason Mount only recently returned from injury, as did Christian Eriksen. Kobbie Mainoo remains sidelined along with academy talents Toby Collyer and Dan Gore.
Both youngsters made their debuts under Erik ten Hag, with Gore’s first cap coming last season, while Collyer’s came this term with the Dutchman reportedly keen to hand him more minutes before his eventual sacking.
Gore’s luck with injuries has not been that great with a shoulder injury keeping him out of action for a long time and just after making his return, another issue seems to have cropped up.
Injury update
As for the former Brighton academy star, he has returned to training on the grass after an issue that has kept him out for a month.
United U21 manager Travis Binnion provided an injury update on the duo, stating that while Collyer is ready to return after the international break, Gore’s comeback could take weeks.
He also provided an update on Sekou Kone, tipped to make his first-team debut this campaign itself, who was seen in crutches after the EFL Trophy game.
“He’ll be back…. soon. Days, weeks…. like it’s short,” Binnion was quoted as saying by The Manchester Evening News. “It’s a short-term injury and he’s been a little bit unfortunate, just like Sekou Kone tonight.
“When you’re coming back you’re probably at your most vulnerable so it’s a case of him doing what Sekou needs to do – getting games, staying fit and then he’ll be in a good place.”
Will Amorim use Collyer
“Toby Collyer has returned to the grass this week, so that’s a positive. These lads are good players, they need to get fit, stay fit and have a positive impact for the club,” Binnion added.
Collyer’s engine could be something new head coach Ruben Amorim could turn to for cup games with the Portuguese known for his penchant for giving youth a chance.
As for Gore, he needs to maintain his fitness and get a run of games in for the reserves and hopefully, another loan opportunity will arrive and which can help catapult him into the manager’s attention.
He was linked with a surprise move to Borussia Dortmund but United refused before the England U20 international headed to Port Vale instead.