Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount are both out injured for Man Utd at the moment and Michael Carrick has given an update on their fitness.
Mason Mount is close to returning to the United squad(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
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Michael Carrick is hoping Mason Mount can deliver a big finish to the season after the £55million midfielder returned to training ahead of Sunday's fixture with Crystal Palace.
The Manchester United midfielder has missed the last four games under Carrick, and although the clash with the Eagles could come too soon for him, he is in contention for a return to the squad next week.
Mount scored the winner when United beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in November, but he's played just one minute under Carrick and the change in formation has reduced his chances to start.
That win in south London was the last time Matthijs de Ligt appeared in the Premier League and the Dutch centre-back is still struggling with a back injury, and Carrick confirmed he isn't yet back in training.
"Mason is getting closer, he’s on the grass, he’s looking to be around it pretty soon," said Carrick. "We've had to be patient, he’s a good player, so we’re looking after him and making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.
"Matthijs has had a back issue which has been a bit slow to progress, it’s something we’ve been working through. He’s in the right direction, but a bit further behind."
De Ligt has been close to returning a couple of times during his three-month absence before then complaining about pain in his back and Carrick is reluctant to put a timeframe on his return.
"It’s the nature of the injury, the issue in the back, it’s a difficult one to pin down time-wise. He’s definitely improving," he said.