Manchester United’s injury woes have intensified ahead of their home clash with Ipswich Town on Wednesday night, with the team set to be without eight players for the match. Manager Ruben Amorim is facing a growing crisis as several key players remain sidelined, further challenging United’s depth.

Having gone three matches without a Premier League win, United are desperate to return to winning ways against Ipswich. However, Amorim will have to navigate this crucial game with a depleted squad, as the injuries continue to mount.

The team drew 2-2 with Everton in their last outing, despite missing several key figures. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Amorim confirmed that no players would be returning from injury for the Ipswich game, leaving United with limited options.

The list of absentees includes Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, and Toby Collyer, all of whom are still unfit to feature. In addition, Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martinez are out for the remainder of the season due to long-term injuries.

There are also growing concerns over Noussair Mazraoui, who sustained a knee injury during the Everton match. This leaves Amorim in a difficult position, possibly having to rely on academy players to fill out the bench once again.

In recent matches against Everton and Tottenham, Amorim has included young players such as Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Sekou Kone, Chido Obi-Martin, and Elyh Harrison on his substitute bench.

“Toby Collyer is getting closer, but he’s not ready yet. Kobbie Mainoo is making progress, but we have to adapt and make do with the players we have available for the match schedule,” said Amorim.

Despite the challenges, Amorim remains hopeful for the Ipswich game. He drew optimism from United’s spirited second-half comeback against Everton, which saw Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte both score to secure a 2-2 draw.

When asked about his motivational approach in the second half, Amorim explained, “I told the players to keep playing the same way. During the week, I saw a different energy, and we stuck with our approach. It was all about belief and focus on the details—like controlling the ball and winning the second balls. Everyone was aware of Everton’s strengths, and we proved that we could improve in the second half by playing with better energy and fight.”

With the injury crisis mounting, Ruben Amorim will need to find a way to inspire his depleted squad as they prepare to face Ipswich Town under challenging circumstances.

Jamie Carragher has responded sharply to Rio Ferdinand’s recent criticism over his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling the former Manchester United defender a “clown” in the process.

The debate began after Carragher made comments that downplayed the significance of the AFCON while discussing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or prospects. The Liverpool forward has been in phenomenal form, adding another goal and assist to his tally in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, making this year a strong contender for Salah’s best chance to win the prestigious award.

However, when assessing Salah’s chances on Sky Sports, Carragher suggested that the Egyptian’s international commitments could be a hindrance to his Ballon d’Or hopes. “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning,” Carragher said. “I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that influences who wins the Ballon d’Or].”

Carragher’s opinion quickly sparked backlash, with pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge voicing their disagreement, and former Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady also chiming in. Even controversial broadcaster Richard Keys labeled Carragher’s comments as “unforgivable ignorance.”

Now, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has joined the fray, describing Carragher’s view as “ignorant.” On his podcast, Ferdinand argued that Carragher’s stance represents a wider misconception, saying, “If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah, or Sadio Mane, they’ll tell you, ‘we have to win this.’ There’s pressure in their countries to win this tournament. It’s not about resources, it’s about the value of the competition.”

Ferdinand added, “Yes, it doesn’t get the same backing as the Euros, but that doesn’t mean you devalue it. It should be respected more than it is.”

While Ferdinand expressed an understanding of Carragher’s broader point, he disagreed with the sentiment, stressing that the real issue lies with the lack of global recognition for the Africa Cup of Nations. He further suggested that football governing bodies like FIFA should ensure that AFCON is given the same level of respect as other major tournaments like the Euros or Copa América.

In response, Carragher didn’t hold back, branding Ferdinand’s comments as misinformed and countering with a firm rejection of his criticism. The debate highlights the ongoing conversation about the AFCON’s place in world football and the respect it commands from pundits and fans alike.