Apart from big-name stars underperforming, Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has also had to deal with multiple injuries with key players missing large chunks of the season while a couple have already been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Lisandro Martinez and Amad’s injuries have been huge blows given their form while Kobbie Mainoo missing more than a month has also come at the worst possible time.
The ex-Sporting boss is also without Mason Mount, who suffered an injury relatively early on during Amorim’s reign. In fact, the former Chelsea ace has missed 26 games already this term while he was sidelined for 31 games last season.
On paper, Mount definitely fits in with what the head coach wants from his players but given his availability, it is hard to trust him.
Mount injury issues
The head coach is so short on options in the middle of the pitch that he has mulled over handing academy wonderkid Sekou Kone his debut this season.
Casemiro simply cannot be trusted to play consistently which is why Bruno Fernandes has been forced to play in a deeper role alongside Manuel Ugarte.
The Brazilian reportedly wants to see out his contract which has another year to run while INEOS want to get rid due to his unsuitability as well as his humongous wages of £350,000 gross per week (via capology).
Then there is Luke Shaw and the less said about his injury record the better. Ever since that double leg break, he has been prone to regular breakdowns and the frequency of injuries have increased in the last couple of seasons.
As per Givemesport, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co have held a meeting about moving on stars with poor injury records and players who do not fit the system.
The new financial reality at Old Trafford has meant plenty of high earners might be moved on with Marcus Rashford and Antony already departing in January.
And INEOS reportedly see no reason to keep a hold of the three unfit stars, especially given their injury history and the wages they earn.
INEOS fed up with Shaw, Mount, Casemiro
“Questions over the future of injury-prone Luke Shaw aren’t only confined to the training ground it seems.
“Amid the huge cost-cutting measures implemented by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his management team at Old Trafford, it’s believed discussions have taken place over the reliability, durability and fitness of stars like Shaw, Casemiro and Mason Mount.
“They’ve been perplexed at the on-going cost of keeping a player like Shaw who no longer fits the blueprint they require. The new regime want value for money – and they don’t see £150,000-a-week Shaw or £350,000-a-week Casemiro offering that.
“That’s why both will be allowed to leave as Ratcliffe and co look to cull the playing squad of passengers and align more with Profit and Sustainability Rules.”
But whether the club can recoup a huge amount from their sales remains to be seen. Not too many clubs will be eager to pay big money for the trio.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
