Manchester United’s injury issues easing ahead of Nottingham Forest trip

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United’s injury issues are beginning to ease ahead of Tuesday’s return to action at Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils have seven fixtures in April, including a crucial Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, and start with a return to the East Midlands 16 days after winning 3-0 at embattled Leicester.

Young defender Ayden Heaven went off on a stretcher at the King Power Stadium and remains out for Tuesday’s match at Forest, but Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire were back in training last week.

United goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton were also seen in training on Friday, with Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez remaining long-term absentees.

“Luke is not ready yet,” Amorim said. “We are starting doing some drills with the team, but we are building Luke.

“Mason Mount is feeling better, but he was already on the bench for the last game. I think Kobbie (Mainoo) is almost returning also, but he’s not ready for this game.

“Jonny Evans is recovering, Ayden is recovering. Licha is out. Maguire is also ready to go to the game. Yoro, yes.”

Asked about the severity of Heaven’s injury given the concerning way he left the field, Amorim said: “No, it was not so serious, so he’s recovering.

“He’s not ready to play, but he’s going to return this season for sure.”

Chido Obi, 17, will not be involved as he is playing for United in Monday’s FA Youth Cup semi-final at Aston Villa.

Patrick Dorgu returns from a three-match domestic ban as United look to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.

“I think it’s also really exciting because really tough matches,” Amorim said of the increased talent pool.

“But we already have had in the last weeks that kind of schedule with less players, so it’s really important to have all the players available for them to fight, for us to rotate during matches, and different characteristics give us different opportunities to win football matches.

“But I think it’s a very good moment in our season. I know that we will have at least three games in the Premier League now that are really tough, but I think the team is prepared to face those games and also the Europa League is a key point for us in this final run.”

United’s limited options have led to questions over the decision to loan out Marcus Rashford and Antony in the winter window to Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively.

The pair have enjoyed a new lease of life since those moves, with Rashford back in the England squad and scoring twice in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final win at Preston before Antony starred in the Seville derby.

“We have a lot of games to play, and I’m focused on my team and my players,” Amorim said.

“Rashford is not my player at the moment, but every player that performs well on loan is good news for our club, so we are happy with that.”

Meanwhile, The 1958 fan group have confirmed plans for a sit-in protest after Sunday’s derby clash against Manchester at Old Trafford as they continue to demand an end to the Glazers’ ownership.

Group spokesman Steve Crompton said: “Contrary to (co-owner) Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s misguided comments, protests are not about results or league position. They never have been, although clearly, poor performances on the pitch don’t help either.

“We protest against 20 years of Glazer greed and mismanagement of our football club.

“We fight to protect fan culture, which our owners, with each passing season, try to dilute and remove the generational match-going fan. On Sunday, we protest by staying in our seat after full-time.”