Manchester United added three more names to their injury list after Saturday’s frustrating goalless draw away at Sunderland AFC.
The lacklustre result further summed up a difficult Premier League campaign for United, with concerns now growing over the fitness of Casemiro, Benjamin Šeško and Manuel Ugarte.
All three players were absent from the squad at the Stadium of Light after suffering issues during training or recent matches.
With only fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion remaining, questions are already being asked about whether some players will feature again this season.
Casemiro expected back quickly
Casemiro’s absence against Sunderland came as a surprise given his importance to United throughout the campaign.
The veteran midfielder has been one of the few constants during a turbulent season and remains expected to return soon despite his latest issue.
Manager Michael Carrick attempted to ease concerns before the Sunderland match. “Casemiro will be fine for next week. It is nothing major.”
However, with his contract due to expire this summer, there is growing uncertainty around whether his next appearance could also be one of his last in a United shirt.
Potential return date: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest — 17 May 2026
Sesko injury remains unclear
There is greater uncertainty surrounding Šeško.
The striker aggravated an existing shin problem during United’s recent win over Liverpool FC after colliding with advertising boards following contact from Ibrahima Konaté.
Carrick confirmed the issue had been lingering for some time. “Ben has been carrying a shin problem for some time and he took another quite big bang on it.”
The Slovenian forward did not participate fully in training last week, and United have yet to clarify the severity of the setback.
Having followed United’s recent performances closely, Sesko’s physical presence has become increasingly important in attack, especially with the side struggling for consistency in front of goal.
Potential return date: Unknown
Ugarte suffers back problem
Ugarte also missed the Sunderland trip after suffering a back injury during training.
The midfielder has played a more limited role under Carrick but remains an important squad option late in the season.
Carrick briefly explained the issue before kick-off. “Manu had a problem with his back in midweek.”
There has been no further update on the severity of the injury or whether he could return before the campaign concludes.
Potential return date: Unknown
De Ligt still racing against time
Defender Matthijs de Ligt continues his recovery from the lower back injury that has sidelined him since November.
The Dutch international has resumed elements of training but has not yet returned fully to grass work with the main group.
Carrick recently acknowledged the recovery process has progressed slower than initially hoped.
However, it remains too early to know whether De Ligt will play again this season or feature for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup.
| Player | Injury | Potential Return |
|---|---|---|
| Casemiro | Minor issue | 17 May vs Nottingham Forest |
| Benjamin Šeško | Shin injury | Unknown |
| Manuel Ugarte | Back injury | Unknown |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Lower back injury | Unknown |
Source: club updates and manager comments – 10 May 2026
What’s next?
Manchester United now face a difficult finish to the season with fitness concerns continuing to disrupt squad stability.
Carrick will hope at least some of the injured trio can return before the final two league matches as United look to salvage momentum heading into the summer.
For players like Casemiro and De Ligt, the coming weeks could also shape major decisions about their futures.
Can Manchester United finish the season strongly despite their growing injury problems?
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