Roland Cutinho
Manchester United receive a boost as Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest have decisions to make ahead of the Old Trafford game
Manchester United injury woes have now been matched by their Saturday league opponent, Nottingham Forest, as their manager Steve Cooper has confirmed that his players are facing fitness issues.
Forest will evaluate the fitness of Ola Aina ahead of their match against United. However, centre-back Felipe won’t be available for the game.
The Red Devils are set to face the Tricky Trees at Old Trafford. Following a lacklustre performance against Tottenham last week, Erik ten Hag’s team is eager for a better showing.
If United doesn’t secure all three points, they will face even more scrutiny, and this comes with just one week remaining in the transfer window. Injuries to Mason Mount and Luke Shaw have added to the club’s challenges.
However, Forest’s own issues will help United overcome the odds. While talking in a pre-match interview, Cooper provided injury updates for the Old Trafford game.
While talking in an interview with Forest TV (as quoted by the Nottingham Post), he said:
“Felipe is back out on the grass training, but he hasn’t trained or played for months so he isn’t ready. Ola is back in part training. I think there should be more dilemmas and decisions. I would rather it be that way than the other way.”
As said by the manager, the visiting side will miss key centre-back Felipe, who is recovering but not yet fit to play.
Aina is uncertain due to partial training during the week, which could provide an opportunity for new signing Gonzalo Montiel if he is fit to make his debut.
Also, Taiwo Awoniyi and Brennan Johnson are working on their fitness, and it remains to be seen whether they could be ready to contribute in their next game. Meanwhile, Andrey Santos, who was loaned from Chelsea, has been officially registered in time to potentially make his debut against United.
This is some interesting news for United fans, who are also rather disappointed to see some of their own starting XI players facing injury-related issues. Mount and Shaw’s absence will provide opportunities for other players in the squad.
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There might be a different tactical game on display as both managers will need to address the shortcomings that are currently lying in their squads.
A win will certainly act as a great morale booster.
