Manchester United have just received bad news as one of their players has been forced to withdraw from the national team during the September FIFA Days due to a muscle injury.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed: “Defender Nuno Tavares was called up on September 4 to replace Diogo Dalot. The Man Utd player complained of muscle pain and was granted permission by the coaching staff to withdraw.”
Nuno Tavares, 25, who currently plays for Lazio, will travel from Italy to Armenia to join up with the national squad.
Portugal will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with an away trip to Armenia on September 6, followed by a clash against Hungary in Budapest on September 10. Meanwhile, Dalot is expected to return to Manchester for further assessment of his injury. Last season, the 26-year-old full-back was a key figure for the Red Devils, starting 31 matches in the Premier League.
This comes at a sensitive time for head coach Ruben Amorim, as Manchester United are already worried about the fitness of Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, both of whom picked up injuries in the match against Burnley. Cunha is believed to have a hamstring issue, while Mount showed signs of a muscle injury. “It’s difficult to lose Cunha and Mount. Mount even tried to play 30 minutes despite the pain. I’m really concerned,” Amorim admitted.
After the international break, Manchester United face a brutal run of fixtures: an away trip to Man City in the Manchester derby, followed by a home clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford. At present, the Red Devils have only collected 4 points from 3 games, sitting ninth in the Premier League standings.