Man Utd injury boost before Everton as Mount nears return

Manchester United return to Premier League action on 23 February 2026 hoping an extended break has sharpened rather than stalled momentum.

Michael Carrick’s side responded strongly to the managerial change with four consecutive wins before drawing 1-1 at West Ham. Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time equaliser at the London Stadium preserved Carrick’s unbeaten record and kept United fourth in the table.

With a 13-day gap between fixtures, Carrick may now be handed a timely fitness boost ahead of the trip to Everton.

Here is the latest Manchester United injury update and expected return dates.

Mason Mount missed the matches against Tottenham and West Ham after picking up a minor training injury. He had previously been named on the bench in Carrick’s opening games in charge, suggesting he was close to full involvement before the setback.

Carrick confirmed before the West Ham draw that Mount is expected to return for the Everton fixture.

“Definitely gone into the Everton game, he’ll be back,” the United boss said.

Potential return date: 23 February 2026 vs Everton (A)

De Ligt has been sidelined for nearly three months after suffering a lower back injury in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in late November.

The Dutch defender has yet to resume full first-team training but is moving in the right direction. Carrick indicated he remains slightly behind Mount in terms of readiness, though progress is encouraging.

Potential return date: March 2026

Patrick Dorgu’s promising run under Carrick was halted by a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-2 win over Arsenal. The defender had scored in successive high-profile matches, including the Manchester derby, before pulling up while chasing a long ball.

Carrick admitted the injury appears more serious than initially hoped and confirmed Dorgu will be out for several weeks.

If the estimated recovery period holds, a return in early April is realistic.

Potential return date: April 2026

United travel to Everton on 23 February knowing they will respond to results involving Chelsea, Liverpool and Brentford in the race for Champions League qualification.

Mount’s expected return could provide added creativity in midfield, while clarity on De Ligt’s recovery may shape defensive planning heading into March. With a reduced fixture list, Carrick has time to reintegrate players carefully.

Can United turn this extended break into the springboard for another winning streak?