Manchester United have been dealt a fresh injury setback as four first-team players were ruled out of their Premier League clash with Sunderland on Saturday. Interim manager Michael Carrick confirmed that Benjamin Sesko, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte have all picked up knocks, while Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined.
Sesko was substituted early in last week's win over Liverpool after colliding with the advertising hoardings, aggravating a pre-existing shin problem. Carrick revealed the striker has been carrying the issue for some time and took another heavy blow, forcing him to miss the trip to the Stadium of Light.
Casemiro's absence is considered minor, with the Brazilian expected to return for next week's home fixture against Nottingham Forest. However, Ugarte faces a longer spell on the sidelines after suffering a back problem in midweek training. De Ligt has not featured since November due to a separate issue.
Carrick downplayed concerns over the injuries, stating: 'Ben has been carrying a shin problem for some time and he took another quite big bang on it. Casemiro will be fine for next week, it is nothing major. Manu had a problem with his back in midweek, so that's the injuries ironed out.'
With several key players unavailable, Carrick has handed Joshua Zirkzee his first start since December in place of Sesko, while Mason Mount returns to the midfield alongside Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. United have already secured Champions League qualification and are looking to finish the season strongly as Carrick vies for the permanent managerial role.
