Manchester United Injury News: Marcos Rojo Faces Three Months Absence after Dislocating Shoulder

Manchester United's defensive problems have taken a turn for the worse as Marcos Rojo is believed to be out for up to six weeks after dislocating his shoulder against Manchester City, according to the Daily Mail.

The defender tweeted that the injury was nothing serious and he would be back in a while but reports from Old Trafford suggest that the player has fully dislocated his shoulder and he will take time to recover completely. The Red Devils' squad for their game against Crystal Palace next weekend may host no senior defenders, especially with Chris Smalling also suspended after picking up a red card in the same game.

Midfielder Michael Carrick is likely to be slotted in at centre-back, with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones still in the sidelines, alongside Paddy McNair, who came in to marshal the defence in the absence of Rojo on Sunday.

United's performance in the league thus far has been shambolic to say the least, with the Red Devils, having accumulated the costliest starting XI in the history of the competition. The likes of Robin van Persie and Falcao have failed to live up to expectations which have left the 20-time Champions languishing in 10th spot, a far cry from the pinnacle of excellence that the team liken themselves to.

However, the Dutch manager will be somewhat upbeat after an inspiring performance in defeat against City and could have taken a point out of the game if not for their profligacy in front of goal. Marouane Fellaini and Angel Di Maria, both found themselves in acres of space to drive the ball in, but failed to wield the finishing touch.

United have taken only a single point from their last two games and need to get back to their fighting best if they have to challenge for a spot in the Champions League. United's cause has been helped by the fact that Liverpool are also struggling to cope in the aftermath of losing Suarez and have yet to unfurl themselves in the race for a top four spot.