Carrick Champions Manchester United Trio for England Squad Return
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has thrown his weight behind the potential England recall of defensive stalwart Harry Maguire, emerging midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo, and experienced full-back Luke Shaw. The endorsement comes as England boss Thomas Tuchel prepares to name his final squad on Friday before making his ultimate selections for the upcoming World Cup.
Players Await First Tuchel Call-Up
Maguire and Mainoo last featured for the Three Lions in September 2024 during the Nations League clash with Ireland under caretaker manager Lee Carsley. Shaw's most recent international appearance was the dramatic Euro 2024 final against Spain. Notably, none of the three have yet played under Tuchel's stewardship since he took the helm.
Tuchel has previously hinted that the Manchester United contingent remains in his thoughts, explicitly dismissing suggestions of any anti-United bias within his selection process back in August. 'Every decision is an individual decision,' the England manager stated firmly. 'There is for sure no decision against Man United.'
Carrick Points to United's Revival as Justification
Carrick expressed his hope that the trio's performances during Manchester United's recent resurgence under his management have been compelling enough to force their way back into Tuchel's plans. The upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan present a crucial opportunity for the players to stake their claim.
When questioned about whether he had directly communicated with Tuchel regarding a possible call-up, Carrick was clear. 'No, I haven't been in touch,' he said. 'For the boys, I'd love to see them picked for this one and obviously picked for the summer.'
He continued, emphasising the players' own merits: 'I don't have any influence on that but certainly the boys, the way they're playing, I think they've put themselves right in the conversation and right in the picture and given themselves a chance. So we'll see. I literally don't know any more than you on that one.'
'But the boys are definitely playing well enough to warrant a place for sure,' Carrick asserted. 'It's just not my decision so we'll have to wait and see.'
Manchester United Injury Update Ahead of Bournemouth Clash
Carrick also provided a detailed update on his squad's fitness ahead of United's Premier League trip to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday.
The news on defender Matthijs de Ligt remains concerning, with the Dutch international no closer to returning from a persistent back injury that has sidelined him for four months. 'It’s frustrating for him,' Carrick admitted. 'I think he's obviously trying to work towards getting back but just the back issue really, that's proving difficult. So we'll keep working as hard as we can with everyone to get him back as quick as we can.'
There is more positive news regarding Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who is nearing a return from a calf problem, though the Bournemouth fixture may arrive slightly too soon. 'He's closer, a lot closer,' Carrick added. 'He's getting there, so after this one I think he'll be alright. Patrick (Dorgu) is further down the line.'
Full-back Noussair Mazraoui was absent from training at Carrington on Wednesday, with Carrick revealing the player 'just wasn't feeling too good today.' Meanwhile, midfielder Mason Mount is expected to be among the substitutes for the second consecutive match as he continues his comeback from injury.
'Starting would be too much I think at this point, just for the training time and the exposure that he's had really,' Carrick explained regarding Mount's careful reintegration. 'But it's brilliant to have him back. He's a fantastic player, Mason, and great to have around the group again.'
Carrick concluded on an optimistic note for Mount: 'So we're delighted to have him back and obviously the break coming up now gives him a chance to get even more up to speed. So in some ways that's coming at a good time for him.'
