Man Utd injury update: Benjamin Sesko and De Ligt latest after Liverpool

Manchester United got the result they needed against Liverpool, but the afternoon did not pass without fresh concerns.

A 3-2 win over Liverpool sealed Manchester United’s return to the Champions League and capped an impressive performance at Old Trafford, with goals from Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Kobbie Mainoo.

It should have been a near-perfect afternoon.

But the sight of Sesko being withdrawn at half-time has left supporters waiting for clarity, while questions remain over Matthijs de Ligt’s long absence.

With games against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion still to come, Michael Carrick will want as many players available as possible.

Sesko’s goal against Liverpool was another reminder of his growing influence in United’s attack.

The striker found the net in a controversial moment and looked sharp before being replaced at the break.

At first, it looked tactical. But the reality was different.

Sesko aggravated an existing shin problem after an awkward collision with Ibrahima Konaté, crashing into the advertising boards at Old Trafford.

Carrick confirmed after the game that the issue had flared up.

“He's been carrying a shin problem for some time, he got pushed and caught the bit that's been causing him some problems.”— Michael Carrick

The good news is that the early feeling inside the club appears positive. There has been no suggestion of serious damage, and that matters.

Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Sesko’s movement and finishing have become central to United’s attacking rhythm in recent weeks.

Those numbers underline his importance.

Potential return date: Sunderland (A), 9 May 2026

Matthijs de Ligt still working towards Manchester United return

De Ligt’s absence has become one of United’s more frustrating injury stories this season.

The defender has now missed 23 matches with an ongoing lower back issue that first surfaced against Crystal Palaceback in November.

It has not been straightforward.

Setbacks during recovery have delayed his comeback more than once, and there is still no clear timeline.

Carrick’s latest update offered some progress, but not immediate optimism.

De Ligt is back in training work, though much of it remains managed and controlled.

That is at least a step forward.

From the last few weeks of United’s campaign, their defensive shape has improved without him, but De Ligt’s experience and composure would still add important depth heading into the final games.

However, it remains too early to know whether he will feature again this season.

Potential return date: Unknown

Not everything on the injury front is negative.

Cunha returned and scored after concerns over his fitness, while Luke Shaw also made it through the match after his recent issue.

There was involvement too for Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro, both of whom have had recent fitness concerns.

That gives Carrick more flexibility.

And with Champions League football now secured, managing minutes carefully becomes even more important.

Manchester United now head into the final stretch without the pressure of chasing European qualification.

That changes the approach.

Carrick can afford to be cautious with Sesko if there is any doubt, while De Ligt’s recovery can continue without forcing a return. The focus now is on finishing strongly and carrying momentum into next season.

Much will depend on training updates later this week.