Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has delivered a significant injury update concerning two key squad members, revealing that midfielder Mason Mount is closer to a first-team return than defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Defensive Concern Continues
Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt remains some distance from recovering from a persistent back injury that has kept him out of action since late November. The centre-back last featured for the Red Devils in their match against Crystal Palace and has subsequently missed the last twelve consecutive games across all competitions.
This extended absence comes despite initial medical assessments suggesting his layoff would be relatively brief. Carrick was unable to provide a definitive timeline for de Ligt's return to the pitch, indicating the rehabilitation process is ongoing but measured.
Midfield Boost on the Horizon
In more positive news for United supporters, Mason Mount is progressing well and is expected to be available for selection in the near future. The England international made a brief cameo appearance as an 89th-minute substitute during Carrick's managerial debut against Manchester City.
However, Mount has since been sidelined for the subsequent fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham. While Carrick confirmed the midfielder would not be ready for Saturday's crucial Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, he expressed optimism about his imminent return.
'Mason will be back sooner,' stated Carrick during his pre-match press conference. 'He's not too far away. We're hopeful it won't be too long. Matta is working his way back, taking his steps and improving and being really positive.'
Carrick's Flying Start Continues
The interim manager has enjoyed a perfect beginning to his tenure at the helm, securing victories in his first three matches since taking over from Ruben Amorim and caretaker Darren Fletcher. Carrick believes the challenging nature of his initial fixtures has been beneficial for squad cohesion and focus.
'Coming in at the start and the games so quickly, it was kind of step by step,' he reflected. 'I wasn't looking too far ahead. The first two games were standout and we expected a tough start. In some ways that helped get the whole group focused and alive.'
He added: 'Over time, we got a vague idea of what we wanted to look like and since we've been here that becomes a lot clearer of what direction we want to go in and how we want to play. We've got a lot of growth in the team and squad.'
Facing Familiar Opposition
Carrick's fourth match in charge sees him pitted against Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank, a colleague he previously interviewed for an Amazon Prime feature earlier this season. The former Spurs midfielder spoke warmly about their previous interaction.
'I really enjoyed it, and we got on really well,' Carrick recalled. 'It was the first time I'd met him properly, and it was good to chat about football things. He was really accommodating, so it will be good to see him again.'
Reflecting on his own £18.6 million transfer from Tottenham to Manchester United in the summer of 2006, Carrick acknowledged the significant step up he experienced at the time.
'I've got really good memories of Tottenham. I was there for what feels like a short time, but really enjoyed it,' he said. 'Coming here was a big jump and I felt that pretty quickly. Once you step inside this place as a footballer it turns you; from the first day walking into the dressing-room and meeting the manager, that was me.'
