Manchester United have had to draft youngsters into their squad for today’s vital Premier League fixture at Everton.
It is understood a few academy players have been added to the travelling squad and striker Joe Hugill could be included in a matchday squad for the first time amid the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
The academy players had been given a day off but were frantically contacted to report for possible first-team participation at the 11th hour.
£72million striker Rasmus Hojlund sustained a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win against Luton Town 15 days ago and United manager Erik ten Hag admitted he would be assessed on Saturday.
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The absence of Hojlund or another forward could see Hugill, 20, promoted to the bench. The FA Youth Cup winner joined the United academy from Sunderland in 2020 and scored against Leeds United in United’s opening pre-season friendly in July.
Mason Mount’s potential absence through another injury is likely to see Kobbie Mainoo remain in the 20-man squad while Dan Gore has also trained with the first team this week.
A number of youngsters trained with the senior squad this week as United waited for their internationals to report back at Carrington.
Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Jonny Evans (thigh), Casemiro (hamstring) and Christian Eriksen (knee) are all out for today’s game at Goodison Park.