Manchester United are in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday evening against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba is yet to make his Man United debut
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Manchester United head into Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie at home to Brighton still managing a lengthy injury list. Their preparations come on the back of a 1-0 defeat in the Manchester derby, where City claimed all three points courtesy of a controversial Erling Haaland goal.
Pro Ref later acknowledged an 'error of judgment' in allowing the goal to stand, but United must now reset and focus on their first Carabao Cup outing of the season in the third round.
Even so, Michael Carrick will again be without several key players, with a number of squad members still sidelined through injury.
Here, the Manchester Evening News brings you the full rundown on the Reds' injury situation.
Carlos Baleba
Baleba is still waiting to make his first United appearance after suffering an ankle injury in pre‑season, just before completing his move to Old Trafford.
What has Carrick said: "He's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks," Carrick told reporters last month.
"We'll see. We knew that before, so it's no major issue. It'll be great to have him back when we can."
Expected return date: September/October 2026.
Amad
Amad has yet to feature for United this season after picking up an injury during pre‑season. The Ivory Coast international still has no confirmed timeline for when he is expected to return to the matchday squad.
What has Carrick said: "Amad won’t be involved this week. He’ll be out a little bit longer," the Reds boss said last month.
Expected return date: October 2026.
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Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt is close to completing his recovery from the back injury that has kept him out since last November. He has returned to training, but Carrick says United are taking a cautious approach before bringing the defender back into the matchday squad.
What has Carrick said: "It's positive," he said. "He's trained really well, but we're still managing it. When you're out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you've got to manage that last stage. It's important to get that balance right to take the next step. But he's on track, in a good place. Hopefully, some time soon.'
Expected return date: October/November 2026.
Luke Shaw
The left-back has missed United's last two matches with an unspecified injury.
What has Carrick said: "Luke is not quite ready but he is very close. It’s very small."
Expected return date: End of September 2026.
Manuel Ugarte
The Uruguayan suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
No exact timeframe has been given for when he will be able to return.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Tom Heaton
The shot-stopper suffered a hamstring injury during training, and United are yet to confirm how long they expect the experienced goalkeeper to be on the sidelines for.
Expected return date: Unknown.