Manchester United are hoping to welcome back at least one player ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester City. Manager Michael Carrick has been buoyed by the return to fitness of Mason Mount, while Luke Shaw shook off fitness concerns to start against Everton at the weekend.
Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford updates
The visit of Sabah in the Champions League is likely to come too soon for Amad Diallo, but the Ivorian is pushing to be involved in the huge derby. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could be a doubt for United’s return to European football’s premier competition after being substituted in the draw against Everton.
Rashford’s Man United revival continued against Everton as he was impressive at the weekend, terrorising Merlin Rohl throughout his 70 minutes on the pitch. As a result, it was a surprise that the England international was substituted with 20 minutes left. Carrick issued an update after the game, saying: “Yeah, he was feeling a bit of something.” Potential return date: September 10 vs Sabah (H).
Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt latest
Summer signing Carlos Baleba arrived at Manchester United carrying a minor ankle problem, which has delayed his debut for the club. Carrick confirmed at the time that the £70million midfielder could be sidelined for around two to three weeks, although the issue is not considered serious. “He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, but we’ll see,” Carrick said last month. “But we knew that before, so it's no major issue. It will be great to have him back. We’ll wait and see. We’re hopeful but I don’t want to put any deadlines on it just yet.”
Baleba could potentially return before the upcoming international break, but United may choose not to rush him into action. A visit of Tottenham in October may be a more realistic date for his first minutes. Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (H).
Matthijs de Ligt has not played a game of competitive football since November due to lower back injury which eventually required surgery. The centre-back is edging closer to match action after last month returning to first-team training. But it will take some time for the former Juventus and Ajax defender to build up his match fitness after 10 months out. “He’s obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and great to have him back,” Carrick said last month. “He’s in good shape and moving in a good direction. So that’s really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back.” Potential return date: September 2026.
Manuel Ugarte sidelined
Manuel Ugarte is currently undergoing rehabilitation after undergoing surgery for a knee ligament tear suffered during the World Cup. The injury is expected to keep the midfielder sidelined for a significant period, and may miss the entirety of the season. Potential return date: Spring/Summer 2027.
