Dalot adds to growing list of setbacks
Man Utd have been dealt another injury setback during the international break, with Diogo Dalot withdrawing from Portugal duty. The versatile defender had featured in all three of United’s Premier League matches so far, yet was forced to pull out of Roberto Martinez’s squad with what the Portuguese Football Federation described as “muscle discomfort”.
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A statement confirmed Dalot had been released by Portugal’s health and performance unit, with Lazio’s Nuno Tavares called in as his replacement. The timing is unwelcome, with Man Utd facing a decisive run of fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea immediately after the break. Dalot will return to Manchester for further assessment, leaving Ruben Amorim with another pressing concern in defence.
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Cunha’s update sparks uncertainty
Dalot’s absence compounds worries already surrounding summer signing Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian striker limped out of United’s 3-2 win over Burnley last weekend and subsequently pulled out of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers. Addressing supporters on Instagram, Cunha tried to ease nerves: “What an incredible environment, it’s great to be here. I’ll be back soon, always with joy and gratitude. Thanks for all the messages.”
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Even so, Amorim admitted after the Burnley victory that he was unsure of the striker’s condition. “It was hard to lose Cunha and Mason Mount, because Mason Mount played 30 minutes with an injury. I’m concerned about that, because they are so important for us. We will see.”
Mount joins Dalot and Cunha in fitness doubts
Mount also departed the Burnley match with an issue, having battled through half an hour despite discomfort. The trio of Dalot, Cunha and Mount now form a troubling injury list, with Lisandro Martinez already sidelined long term. “I don’t know [how they are], I don’t know. We will check them. We need those guys really bad to be really competitive,” Amorim conceded.
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United’s preparations are being undermined just as their season begins to gather momentum. Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time penalty against Burnley brought their first league win of the campaign, yet that relief has been tempered by the sight of key players limping off.
Critical fixtures ahead
The importance of quick recoveries cannot be overstated. United travel to the Etihad next weekend for the Manchester derby, a clash that could shape Amorim’s early tenure. Chelsea then arrive at Old Trafford on September 20, with Liverpool looming in October. For a side still finding rhythm, these weeks demand strength and cohesion rather than uncertainty.
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Man Utd know injuries are part of the game, but the combination of Dalot’s defensive presence, Cunha’s attacking promise and Mount’s versatility makes this moment particularly precarious. Amorim can only hope assessments bring better news in the coming days.