Recently, Manchester United is finally seeing a glimmer of relief on the injury front ahead of the highly anticipated Manchester Derby. According to reports from the Mirror, three key players—Phil Jones, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Marouane Fellaini—are expected to make their return to the squad this weekend. While none of them are likely to start, all three are tipped to appear on the bench, giving José Mourinho more flexibility in his tactical setup. For fans who closely follow BD Cricket Live, this kind of last-minute roster boost feels just like when an injured star batter returns before a high-stakes match.
Defensively, Mourinho has found a solid rhythm with his recent three-man backline. Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, and Victor Lindelöf have all performed reliably, and their growing chemistry has given the team much-needed stability. The return of Jones adds valuable depth, especially in high-pressure clashes like the derby.
In the midfield, with Paul Pogba suspended, United loses one of its key playmakers. However, Mourinho is expected to field Ander Herrera alongside Nemanja Matić to anchor the middle of the park. Given that Fellaini has only recently returned from injury, he may be gradually reintroduced during the match. Ibrahimović, on the other hand, still isn’t at full match fitness and is unlikely to displace Romelu Lukaku up front. But his presence on the bench is a psychological weapon—both for his team and against the opposition.
Over the past two games, Ibrahimović wasn’t even listed in the matchday squad. Yet the Mirror reports that all three—Jones, Fellaini, and Ibrahimović—will be reinstated for the clash with Manchester City. Their return provides not only more strategic options but also a morale boost for a squad entering one of the most critical matches of the season.
As any BD Cricket Live follower knows, depth on the bench often makes the difference between triumph and defeat in close encounters. While Pogba’s absence is a blow, Mourinho’s newfound options could still prove decisive. With rivals breathing down their necks in the title race, United will need every ounce of strength they can muster—especially with the spotlight firmly fixed on Old Trafford. BD Cricket Live fans are no strangers to intense rivalries, and this one promises fireworks both on and off the pitch.