Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed Mason Mount will make his long-awaited return to the squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. The England midfielder, sidelined since December, is expected to feature on the bench, offering a timely boost as United aim to climb from 14th in the table after qualifying for the Europa League quarter final in the midweek.
Mount’s comeback comes amid a mixed injury picture for the Red Devils. While the 26-year-old’s inclusion adds depth, Amorim cautioned his minutes will be limited, hinting at a brief cameo. "He cannot play too many minutes, just five minutes of Mason Mount is perfect," Ruben Amorim noted after Thursday’s Europa League win over Real Sociedad.
Defensive Shake-Up
United’s backline faces uncertainty with Leny Yoro ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal. The French defender’s absence opens the door for Ayden Heaven, who impressed in his full debut against Sociedad. Heaven is expected to partner Victor Lindelof and Mazraoui, with Harry Maguire also in contention after missing three games.
Amorim’s defensive plans are further complicated by Patrick Dorgu’s suspension. The left-back serves the final game of his three-match ban, likely pushing Noussair Mazraoui into a wing-back role. Meanwhile, Diago Dalot is expected to take the left wing-back position.
Key Absences Persist
United’s injury crisis shows no signs of abating. Lisandro Martinez (ACL) and Jonny Evans (muscle) remain long-term absentees, while Kobbie Mainoo faces at least two more weeks out. Goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton continue unspecified recoveries, leaving Andre Onana as the sole senior keeper.
Luke Shaw’s prolonged muscle issue adds to Amorim’s left-side headaches. The defender, out since December, faces a long time off action. Academy graduate Amad Diallo, initially ruled out for the season with an ankle injury, could feature in May after showing progress, as confirmed by Amorim last week.
Midfield Reshuffle
Manuel Ugarte’s return to fitness provides Amorim with an extra option in the midfield. Casemiro had a brilliant outing against Sociedad and won’t be a surprise if he starts the game but Amorim has been very judicious in using the Brazilian for tactical purposes. Mount’s cameo could coincide with Bruno Fernandes operating deeper, a tactical tweak tested during Thursday’s second half. Toby Collyer, who also came as a second half substitution against Sociedad, is expected to feature on the bench.
The Foxes, managed by ex-United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, sit 19th and desperate for points. United have already beaten Leicester three times this season, including a 3-0 league win at Old Trafford. However, this marks United’s first visit to the King Power since Van Nistelrooy took the job at Leicester.
With 10 league games left, United need points to climb up the table for various reasons. A higher standing will add some financial muscle to the club, which has been relentless in saving every last penny while any jump upwards in the table will add confidence to their Europa League campaign, which remains their only hope of European football next season.