Manchester United’s injury situation has become one of the biggest talking points around Michael Carrick’s squad, with several important players either nearing a comeback or facing a longer wait before returning to action. 👀🔴
With United already navigating a demanding start to the season, every returning player could make a huge difference to Carrick’s options. The latest updates provide some reasons for optimism, but there are also a few major concerns.
🩹 Luke Shaw: Relief for United fans! 🙏
Luke Shaw’s early withdrawal against Ipswich immediately raised eyebrows, especially considering the defender’s long history with fitness problems.
The good news is that the issue was understood to be muscle tightness rather than a serious setback. Reports indicated there were no major concerns ahead of the Everton clash, with Shaw expected to have a chance of featuring.
And Shaw’s importance was clear again as United faced Everton, with the left-back involved in the team’s attacking combination down the left.
📅 Return: Everton
🚨 Mason Mount: Finally back in the picture? 👀🔥
Mason Mount has endured another frustrating spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury during United’s pre-season preparations.
However, there was finally some encouraging news as Mount returned to training and was being considered for a return around the Everton fixture.
For Carrick, getting Mount back would be a major boost. His ability to operate between midfield and attack gives United another option when matches become tight and could increase competition for places. 💪🔴
📅 Potential return: Everton
💣 Carlos Baleba: The big-money debut will have to wait!
Manchester United supporters are desperate to see new signing Carlos Baleba finally make his competitive debut, but the midfielder’s ankle problem has delayed the moment.
Baleba arrived with the issue already known to the club, and the expectation has been that he would need a couple of weeks before becoming available. Reports suggest he could return before the end of September, although United have little reason to rush their new midfield weapon.
Imagine Baleba finally stepping onto the pitch fully fit… 👀🔥 United fans are going to be watching every touch!
📅 Potential return: Before or around the next international break
❌ Amad: Still no clear comeback date
Amad remains one of the frustrating absences.
The winger has been sidelined after picking up an injury in training and was not expected to feature against Everton. More importantly, there was still no definitive return date available.
That uncertainty will worry supporters because Amad offers United another attacking outlet and can provide creativity in one-on-one situations. ⚡🔴
📅 Return: Unknown
🔙 Matthijs de Ligt: Slowly getting closer
There is also encouraging movement regarding Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender has been working his way back after his back problem and has returned to training with the squad. However, a first-team comeback is still expected to require more patience.
United appear unlikely to take unnecessary risks with the centre-back, particularly with a demanding schedule ahead.
A fully fit De Ligt could become a massive asset for Carrick once he is ready to go. 🧱🇳🇱
📅 Potential return: Around the October international period
🚑 Manuel Ugarte: The long-term concern
Manuel Ugarte remains in a completely different category.
The midfielder is facing a lengthy rehabilitation after suffering a serious knee ligament injury and is expected to remain unavailable for a considerable period. United have nevertheless retained him in their squad planning.
His absence leaves Carrick with one fewer midfield option, making the eventual arrival of Baleba even more significant. 🔴⚔️
📅 Return: Long-term
🔥 United’s injury picture is changing fast
The biggest positive is that several players are moving closer to availability, while the most serious absences remain long-term.
Shaw’s situation appears manageable, Mount has been edging closer, Baleba is waiting for his debut, De Ligt is progressing and Amad remains under assessment.
But there is another twist: after the Everton match, United also had to monitor Marcus Rashford, who was substituted in the second half with a physical issue. Carrick subsequently indicated that it was nothing major.
United twice led Everton through Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško but were ultimately denied by a stoppage-time equaliser, making squad depth even more important as the season moves forward.
🔴 The message is clear: Manchester United need their injured stars back quickly. The season is already heating up, and Carrick will need every weapon available. 🔥⚽