Manchester United still have several injury issues heading into Sunday’s derby against Manchester City, despite receiving two useful fitness boosts against Sabah.
Carlos Baleba, Amad and Matthijs de Ligt all missed Thursday night’s 4-0 Champions League victory at Old Trafford.
Manuel Ugarte also remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
There was better news elsewhere. Marcus Rashford returned to the matchday squad after his problem at Everton, while Mason Mount also featured against Sabah.
That leaves Michael Carrick with an improving squad, but several major decisions before Manchester City visit Old Trafford.
🚨 NEW: Carlos Baleba is settling in well at Manchester United, with insiders impressed by his positive personality around the squad.
United are targeting October 10 for his debut, but he could feature against Fulham on September 20 if his recovery progresses quickly.… pic.twitter.com/oGDaYfSwIZ
— Stretford End (@StretfordEndx) September 5, 2026
Carlos Baleba injury latest before Man City
Baleba is still waiting to make his Manchester United debut after arriving with an ankle injury.
Carrick said in late August that the midfielder could require another two or three weeks before returning, although he stopped short of setting a definite date.
The summer signing subsequently missed Ipswich, Everton and Sabah.
That makes Sunday’s derby another important fitness checkpoint.
United have coped without him by using Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans together in midfield.
The pair impressed again against Sabah, which reduces the need to rush Baleba back if he is not completely ready.
ReadManUtd has already followed the midfielder’s recovery in its previous Man Utd injury update before Sabah.
Matthijs de Ligt edging closer to Man Utd return
De Ligt is also progressing, although Carrick continues to take a cautious approach following the defender’s lengthy absence.
The Dutchman has returned to training after undergoing treatment for his lower-back problem.
Carrick described his progress as positive before the Sabah game but explained that United still need to manage the final stages of his recovery carefully.
ReadManUtd covered Carrick’s full comments in its latest De Ligt injury update.
De Ligt ultimately remained outside the squad against Sabah.
Leny Yoro instead started alongside Lisandro Martinez as United kept a clean sheet, giving Carrick little reason to gamble on De Ligt unless the medical staff are completely satisfied.
Amad remains a doubt for Manchester derby
Amad has not featured during the opening weeks of the season because of an ankle problem.
Carrick previously said the winger would be unavailable for a little longer, and he again missed the Champions League opener.
There has yet to be a confirmed return date from United.
That means his availability for Manchester City needs to be treated as uncertain until Carrick provides his next update.
The absence matters because Amad gives United another natural option on the right, although Bryan Mbeumo has established himself there during the opening weeks.
Rashford and Mount hand Carrick fitness boost
There is better news surrounding Rashford.
The forward had been a doubt after feeling discomfort during United’s 2-2 draw at Everton, but he returned to training before Sabah and was named among Carrick’s substitutes on Thursday.
That should put him back into contention for Sunday’s starting XI.
Mount also made his return from injury against Sabah, adding another midfield and attacking option for Carrick.
United’s injury situation therefore looks healthier than it did earlier in the week, although Baleba, Amad, De Ligt and Ugarte remain the players to monitor.
The next major update should arrive when Carrick speaks before the derby.
Manchester United face Manchester City at 4:30pm BST on Sunday, with ReadManUtd’s Man Utd vs Man City TV and live stream guide containing the full viewing details.
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