Manchester United are facing a mounting injury crisis during the international break, with five players added to the list of concerns. The club have taken just five points in the Premier League this season and have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Bruno Fernandes a major worry
Bruno Fernandes was substituted in Portugal's Nations League win over Wales, having played in every United match so far this season. He was replaced in the 90th minute, and head coach Jorge Jesus gave a concerning assessment of his fitness at full time.
Jesus revealed Fernandes had come into the break managing a “complicated” pre-existing injury: “The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game. The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him. It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”
He did not feature in the next match against Norway, but Jesus is optimistic he will be able to play against Denmark in their third game of the break. Should he miss that encounter, alarm bells will be ringing at Carrington.
Rashford and Mainoo concerns
Marcus Rashford picked up a minor injury in the latter stages of United's draw at Fulham ahead of the break, and dropped out of England duty before the Three Lions' camp. He had landed awkwardly after a heavy tackle tight to the touchline.
“We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright],” said Carrick at Craven Cottage. It is hoped he will have shaken off that knock by the time Tottenham visit Old Trafford next month.
Kobbie Mainoo sparked worries when he withdrew from England's squad for this international break. No clear reason was given for his withdrawal, though, and he is not thought to be injured. His absence is likely down to load management, and it is hoped he can feature as soon as United reconvene after the break.
Fresh setbacks and long-term absentees
Patrick Dorgu is the most pressing and most recent concern for Carrick. He started for Denmark against Wales, but went down off the ball with half an hour played and hobbled off. He appeared to have suffered a hamstring problem which could sideline him for some time, and has returned to United early for assessment.
Amad Diallo is yet to feature for his club this season after suffering an ankle injury in the summer. Ahead of the break, Carrick suggested he was a matter of weeks away from returning, and there is hope he can feature against Spurs.
Benjamin Sesko has been struck down with a flare-up of the shin injury which saw him miss the latter stages of last season and the opening of the new campaign. He had seemed to be back at full fitness after starting against Sabah, but was a surprise absentee for the trip to Fulham. Carrick said of the Slovenian: “It was a pain in his shin. We’re not sure with him yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game. We’re assessing him. He definitely wasn’t ready for today.” He decided against representing his country during the break, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play for United after it.
Matthijs de Ligt is approaching a full year on the sidelines with a back injury sustained at Crystal Palace in November 2025. He underwent surgery in May, travelled to west London with his team-mates despite not being named in the matchday squad, and will hope to be passed fit after a further three weeks of recovery.
Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow was another victim of the break, dropping out of the Wales squad with an injury. The nature and severity of his issue is not clear. Manuel Ugarte remains in recovery after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered representing Uruguay at the World Cup, and is set to miss the vast majority of the season. Tom Heaton has been absent throughout this season with a hamstring injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
