It has been a laboured start to the new Premier League campaign for Manchester United and some early injury issues have made matters tougher ahead of Saturday's showdown with Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils did get up and running with a win against Wolves, grinding out a 1-0 victory courtesy of Raphael Varane, who headed home the winner 14 minutes from time.

However, Wolves fired 23 shots on their trip to Old Trafford while United managed only three shots on target, which raised plenty of concern for supporters ahead of their second clash with Tottenham.

The performance was not much better at Spurs as Erik ten Hag's side limped to a 2-0 defeat and offered little encouragement in a second half dominated by the hosts.

As a result, United are out to 20/1 to win the Premier League title and are 5/4 for a top-four finish.

The Red Devils are 3/10 to get the better of Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday, with a draw 5/1 and the Tricky Trees are 7/1 to spring a surprise.

United fans will be desperate to see a response but they have been weakened ahead of this weekend's encounter.
 

Shaw set for another spell on the sidelines

Luke Shaw hasn't been the most fortuitous with injuries in recent seasons and he is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a muscle issue.

United are still assessing the full extent of the injury but they have confirmed that the 28-year-old will be out for a number of weeks.

Last season he missed only three games through injury but in the 2021/22 campaign he was ruled out of selection for a total of 18 matches, so it's nothing new for him to be watching on from the sidelines.

Shaw has been at United since arriving from Southampton in 2014 and has made a total of 181 appearances.

This latest injury also means the full-back will miss England's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Ukraine and Scotland next month and gives Ten Hag a headache selection.

With fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia also out injured and Brandon Williams having been loaned out to Championship outfit Ipswich Town, it means the Dutch manager may have to get creative with his selection.

Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot has played on the left before and is expected to get the nod while it has also been suggested that Lisandro Martinez could be deployed there with Victor Lindelof partnering Varane in the heart of the defence.

It is a problem Ten Hag could do without as United bid to address their lacklustre start to the season.
 

Mount's confidence gets another knock

Mason Mount was one of United's headline summer arrivals, having sealed a move from Chelsea for £55m in July.

Mount was given the famous No.7 jersey, which has been donned by the likes of Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, but it has been far from the dream start to life at Old Trafford for the 24-year-old.

The England international has underwhelmed in his first two competitive appearances for the club and, having come off for Facundo Pellistri with five minutes remaining against Tottenham, it has now been confirmed he is an absentee for the visit of Forest.

Like Shaw, it also means that Mount is likely to miss England's upcoming internationals.

With Mount sidelined, Christian Eriksen, the standout player of all Manchester United's summer signings of last season, is expected to return to the starting line-up.
 

Uncertainty remains over Hojlund debut

United remain without Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Tom Heaton, while the uncertainty surrounding Rasmus Hojlund's fitness continues.

The 20-year-old was signed for £72m from Atalanta in the summer and was expected to be the new star to lead their forward line.

However, the Dane has not yet been able to make his debut having sustained an injury in pre-season, although reports suggest he is edging closer.

Saturday's game against Forest will come too early but there is hope that he could be ready for United's trip to Arsenal ahead of the international break.

One positive for United is that Harry Maguire is ready for a return, although it is likely that the out-of-favour centre-back will resume his position as a substitute.
 

Football – Premier League