(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Four Manchester United players will remain at the club over the international break.
United have confirmed this afternoon that Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have withdrawn from the England squad, while Karl Darlow, who made his debut against Brighton and Hove Albion, has pulled out of the Wales side.
Mainoo, Rashford, Sesko and Darlow rule themselves out of international duty
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Benjamin Sesko is poised to ‘undergo exams today’ to determine the severity of his injury, having missed yesterday’s clash with Fulham.
🔴 BREAKING: Understand Benjamin Sesko expected to MISS Slovenia’s upcoming international fixtures due to shin problem 🔵 The Manchester United striker will undergo exams today to determine the extent of the injury 🟡 Another potential headache for Carrick, who will be hoping… — Sam C (@SamC_reports) September 21, 2026
It’s thought that the 23-year-old’s problem is a re-aggravation of a shin injury that he was also struggling with throughout his maiden season; that’s what kept him out of United’s final three matches of 2025/2026.
Prior to his setback, Sesko had not made a Premier League start in the four games he was available for since the new term got underway, so he’ll now have to wait at least three weeks before he can do so.
Rashford and Mainoo sustain injuries during Fulham draw
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, talks with Marcus Rashford of Manchester United at half-time during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on September 20, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick confirmed post-match last night that the reason he had withdrawn Rashford from the Craven Cottage contest was due to the forward feeling a slight ‘issue’ in the closing stages.
He was hooked in the 77th minute and replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, who was also unable to make an impact in the eventual stalemate.
It then came as a surprise to United fans when Mainoo jogged off the pitch with 10 minutes left to play in West London, and his exit was instantly met by loud boos from the away end.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United passes the ball under pressure from Sander Berge of Fulham during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on September 20, 2026 in London, England.
However, it seems as though the youngster was also not feeling 100 per cent, so it’s undoubtedly the correct decision for him to use the break as a chance to rest and recover.
United return to action on Saturday, October 10, when they host winless Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
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