The veteran goalkeeper's mysterious absence from pre-season training nears an end as he recovers from surgery, aiming to provide vital veteran reliability behind starter Senne Lammens.
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Manchester United announced the signing of Karl Darlow as a free agent in July as a backup goalkeeper to Senne Lammens.
Last campaign, Altay Bayındır started as the first-choice goalkeeper as then-new signing Lammens adjusted to life in England, but once the Belgian made his debut in a 2-0 win over Sunderland, he played every remaining fixture of the campaign.
Darlow, meanwhile, made 22 appearances in the Premier League for Leeds United as well as started internationally for Wales, making the 35-year-old an experienced and capable second-choice option.
United have already loaned out two of their first-team goalkeepers this summer, with Bayındır joining Celta Vigo, while André Onana is on loan at Transponzor for the second season running.
Why Darlow is yet to train with United
Despite signing before pre-season started, Darlow is yet to train with his first-team teammates or play any minutes this summer.
Initially, United released a statement explaining that the goalkeeper was in the final steps of recovering from a minor procedure at the back end of last season, but there has been little news since.
Darlow did not travel with the squad that is set to face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday afternoon, but the Manchester Evening News has confirmed that he is close to a return to action.
According to the report, United are hoping the new signing will be able to take part in most of next week's training camp in Ireland, and are confident that Darlow will be available for the start of the campaign.
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United need Darlow to be their new Romero
When the term "second-choice goalkeeper" is mentioned in United circles, the universal name that will resonate back is Sergio Romero.
The Argentinian goalkeeper signed as David de Gea's deputy for six seasons, in 2015, before departing in 2021, and made 61 appearances, keeping 39 clean sheets during that period. He was a fantastic deputy.
Most notably, Romero was such a popular figure at Old Trafford that he ended up starting the 2017 Europa League final, helping United keep a clean sheet and win the fixture 2-0.
WHile Darlow is not likely to recreate Romero's longevity at Old Trafford, he has all the tools needed to replicate Romero's reliability.
While Lammens is the clear first choice, having a second option Carrick can rely on if and when needed, such as in cup competitions, European ties, or in the event of injuries, is vital across what could be a long and intense campaign.