Manchester United Youngster Called Up to First-Team Training as Injury Problems Mount

Manchester United continued preparations for their Premier League meeting with Brentford with a training session that highlighted both the club’s injury concerns and the opportunities emerging for younger players within the squad.

The session at Carrington saw Sonny Aljofree involved with the first team, as the 21-year-old centre-back was called up to support a defensive group currently affected by several absences. His inclusion reflects the ongoing strain on defensive options, with senior players unavailable through injury and suspension.

Recent matches have underlined the extent of the issue. During the trip to Chelsea last weekend, Ayden Heaven was the only recognised senior centre-back available for selection. He was partnered in defence by Noussair Mazraoui, who is primarily a full-back. At the time, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were sidelined with injuries, while Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire were serving suspensions.

Training updates have provided limited relief. Both De Ligt and Yoro remained absent from Thursday’s session, meaning defensive depth continues to be stretched. The presence of Aljofree offered additional cover, with the coaching staff using academy resources to maintain numbers in key areas.

Aljofree’s pathway to the first-team environment has been gradual. He stepped up to the club’s Under-21 side in 2023 and gained further experience through loan spells. The second half of the 2023/24 campaign was spent with Altrincham in the National League, where he was exposed to senior football in a competitive setting.

The following season brought another step in his development, with a move to Accrington Stanley in League Two. That period provided regular match experience before a subsequent loan to Notts County in August 2025. His time with Notts County lasted for 11 appearances before he returned to Carrington in January.

Since returning, Aljofree has been a regular presence in the Under-21 side. He has captained the team in seven Premier League 2 matches since February, demonstrating a level of responsibility within the academy structure. His involvement in the Premier League International Cup earlier this month saw him complete the full 120 minutes in a fixture against Real Madrid, which ended in defeat.

The training session also included several other academy players. Shea Lacey, Jack Moorhouse, and siblings Tyler Fletcher and Jack Fletcher joined the senior group, reflecting the club’s willingness to integrate youth players during periods of limited availability.

Elsewhere in the squad, Matheus Cunha was not present for the session. His absence was planned, with the forward given a recovery day as part of workload management. Cunha is expected to be available for the Brentford fixture, having scored the decisive goal in the recent win at Stamford Bridge. That strike was his eighth since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Patrick Dorgu also missed training as he continues his recovery from injury. His return date remains uncertain, and he is not expected to be involved in the upcoming match.

There is more clarity regarding suspensions and returns. Maguire is now eligible again after completing his ban and is expected to be available for selection. Martínez, however, remains unavailable and will not return until the fixture against Sunderland AFC on May 9, as he continues to serve his suspension.

Attention has also focused on Yoro’s condition. There is still a possibility that he could return in time for the Brentford match, although his absence from training suggests a decision will be made closer to kick-off. Medical staff are continuing to monitor his progress following the injury that ruled him out of the Chelsea game.

The current situation leaves the coaching staff balancing immediate needs with long-term considerations. Young players are being introduced to maintain squad depth, while experienced figures returning from suspension provide some stability. Availability remains subject to late fitness checks, with final decisions expected after further assessment sessions.