Manchester United begin their Premier League campaign away to Hull City on Saturday, but Michael Carrick could be without as many as six players for his first league match as permanent head coach.
United’s extended pre-season has provided Carrick with opportunities to work with his new-look squad, although several injury problems have complicated preparations.
Benjamin Sesko is yet to play this summer, Mason Mount has missed the last two friendlies and Matthijs de Ligt remains on the comeback trail following a long-term back problem.
Here is the latest on United’s injured players and when they could return.
Benjamin Sesko closing in on return
Benjamin Sesko has not played since suffering a shin injury against Liverpool towards the end of last season.
The striker collided with the advertising boards following a challenge with Ibrahima Konate in early May and subsequently missed United’s entire pre-season programme.
Sesko is now back in training, providing Carrick with a significant boost ahead of the new campaign.
However, the opening fixture against Hull is expected to come too soon.
United will hope the Slovenian can instead return when they host Ipswich Town later this month.
Potential return date: August 30 vs Ipswich Town (H)
Mason Mount could face Hull
There is more optimism surrounding Mason Mount.
The midfielder had impressed alongside Andrey Santos in a deeper role during pre-season before suffering a foot injury against Paris Saint-Germain.
Mount was withdrawn after only 20 minutes and subsequently missed the friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan.
Carrick played down the initial concern after the PSG game.
“He just got a kick,” Carrick explained. “So we just wanted [it] to be a precaution really, to look after him.”
If his continued absence has been precautionary, Mount could return in time for Saturday’s Premier League opener.
Potential return date: August 22 vs Hull City (A)
Matthijs de Ligt finally back in training
Matthijs de Ligt has endured the longest absence of United’s senior defensive options.
The Netherlands international has been sidelined by a back problem since November 2025 and underwent surgery earlier this summer.
There has finally been some progress, with De Ligt returning to team training.
United have not provided a firm timetable for his competitive comeback, however, and after such a lengthy absence he is likely to require time to rebuild his fitness.
Potential return date: Autumn/winter 2026
Karl Darlow yet to make United debut
Summer signing Karl Darlow arrived from Leeds United carrying an unspecified minor injury.
The goalkeeper has consequently been unable to feature during pre-season following his move to Old Trafford.
The problem is not believed to be serious, and Darlow could be available to provide backup to Senne Lammens against Hull.
Carrick is expected to provide a clearer update before the weekend.
Potential return date: August 22 vs Hull City (A)
Manuel Ugarte facing lengthy ACL recovery
Manuel Ugarte will remain unavailable for a considerable period after rupturing his ACL while representing Uruguay at the World Cup.
The midfielder suffered the injury against Spain and subsequently underwent surgery.
Ugarte has since returned to Carrington as his rehabilitation begins, but he is not expected to play again this year.
His recovery could extend well into 2027.
Potential return date: Spring/summer 2027
Tom Heaton facing weeks out
Tom Heaton also suffered an injury during United’s pre-season fixture against PSG.
The experienced goalkeeper picked up a hamstring problem and is expected to miss the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign.
Further assessment will determine the exact severity, but an early September return is currently considered possible.
Potential return date: September 6 vs Everton (A)
Key points
- Benjamin Sesko is back in training but the Hull opener is expected to come too soon.
- Mason Mount could return against Hull after his foot injury was initially described as precautionary.
- Matthijs de Ligt has finally resumed team training following back surgery but has no firm comeback date.
- Karl Darlow could be available for the opening weekend despite missing the entire pre-season.
- Manuel Ugarte faces the longest absence after undergoing surgery on his ruptured ACL.
What’s Next?
Manchester United travel to Hull City for their Premier League opener on August 22, with Carrick likely to provide further injury updates before the game.
Mount and Darlow currently appear the most realistic candidates to return for the opening weekend, while Sesko may need another week before making his comeback.
The encouraging development is that both Sesko and De Ligt are back in training. United will nevertheless start the campaign without several senior players, leaving Carrick with some early selection decisions as his first full season in charge begins.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *