Third Injury Worry for Man Utd as Star Player Sent Home from International Duty

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have already been allowed to return to their clubs by Argentina and England, respectively, while Amad has also headed back to Manchester ahead of schedule.

The 22-year-old returned to the Ivory Coast set-up after an 18-month absence in August with the Africa Cup of Nations champions in qualifying action against Sierra Lerone on Friday and again on Tuesday.  

But the Ivorian Football Federation have confirmed Amad has left the squad due to ‘health reasons’ and has returned to Manchester for further assessment.

Amad started the 2024-25 season as a first-team regular, named in the starting XI in four of United’s seven Premier League matches, also starting both Europa League games against FC Twente and Porto.

Erik ten Hag has frequently rotated his wide options of Amad, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford this term with the Ivorian registering one goal and one assist.

The Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford remains under intense speculation after a miserable run of results but latest reports suggest ten Hag believes he will still be in charge when United return to action at home to Brentford on 19 October.

Garnacho meanwhile will not be involved in Argentina’s matches against Venezuela and Bolivia due to a knee problem.

 The winger played the full 90 minutes in Sunday’s goalless draw with Aston Villa but has returned to the UK after United’s medical team advised him not to take further risks during the international break.

Mainoo meanwhile was one of three England players to pull out of the squad ahead of games against Greece and Finland alongside Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 19-year-old was forced off in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at the end of September and missed last week’s 3-3 draw with Porto.

The midfielder was back in the starting against XI against Villa having been near ever-present in Ten Hag’s team this season.