Manchester United injury latest as Baleba and Amad target derby return

Manchester United secured their first Premier League victory of the season with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, but Michael Carrick is still waiting for several important players to return from injury.

Carlos Baleba and Mason Mount were both at Old Trafford on Sunday but were not included in the matchday squad, while Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt were also unavailable.

With Everton next and the Manchester derby against Manchester City on September 13 approaching, Carrick will hope his injury list begins to clear during the coming weeks.

Baleba is still waiting to make his Manchester United debut following his £70million move from Brighton.

The midfielder arrived with an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season training with his former club.

Carrick confirmed before the Ipswich victory that United were aware of the problem when completing the transfer and expects Baleba to require another two or three weeks.

“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks,” Carrick said.

That timeframe potentially puts Baleba in contention to make his debut against Manchester City on September 13, although United will not rush their major summer signing.

Mount appears considerably closer to returning.

The midfielder suffered a foot problem during United's pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain and has subsequently missed around three weeks.

Carrick suggested Mount could potentially have returned against Ipswich, but he ultimately watched the victory from the stands.

More encouragingly, Mount has resumed first-team training.

“Mase is back around the group, which was great,” Carrick said. “Trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us.”

A return against Everton on September 6 is therefore possible.

Amad has missed the beginning of United's Premier League campaign after suffering a muscle injury in training.

He was unexpectedly absent against Hull City and remained unavailable for the victory over Ipswich.

Carrick has provided no precise return date but confirmed Amad would remain sidelined for a little longer.

The Manchester derby on September 13 currently represents a potential comeback date.

De Ligt's situation requires considerably more patience.

The defender has not played competitively since November after suffering a lower-back injury that eventually required surgery.

He has now returned to first-team training, providing Carrick with a major boost, but United are determined to carefully manage his workload following such a lengthy absence.

A return during September or October is currently considered possible.

Tom Heaton has not featured since suffering a knock against PSG during pre-season. The severity of his injury and a potential comeback date remain unclear.

Manuel Ugarte faces the longest recovery. The midfielder underwent surgery after suffering a knee ligament tear at the World Cup and is expected to miss most of the season.

His potential return is currently projected for spring or summer 2027.

United travel to Everton on September 6, where Mount appears the most realistic candidate to return.

The Manchester derby a week later could provide Carrick with another significant boost if Baleba and Amad recover in time, although De Ligt's comeback is expected to be handled more cautiously following his lengthy absence.