Man United Squad Hit by Fresh International Break Withdrawals
Manchester United have seen three first team players withdraw from international duty following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, with Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko all pulling out of their respective squads. This Man United injury update lands just as Michael Carrick’s side head into the break assessing fresh knocks on top of a handful of longer term absentees.
Rashford was withdrawn from the England squad after hobbling off in the closing stages at Craven Cottage, and Mainoo followed him out of the same game with an injury concern of his own. Sesko has gone a step further, withdrawing from the entire Slovenia squad to focus on getting himself right. Our round up of the four international duty withdrawals from United’s squad covers each case in more depth.
Michael Carrick and Benjamin Sesko Confirm Injury Details
Speaking to beIN Sports after the Fulham game, in comments carried by a Manchester Evening News report, Carrick explained the decision to take Rashford off. “We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue,” he said. Asked whether Rashford would be fit for England duty, the United boss admitted the picture isn’t clear yet. “I’m not sure,” he added, unwilling to put a timeline on it this early.
Sesko’s situation is more clear cut. The Slovenia international released a full statement on his withdrawal, and it leaves little doubt about where his focus now lies.
I am very sorry that I will have to miss the next matches of the national team. I have always played for Slovenia and will always play with heart and pride. Now the most important thing is to fully dedicate myself to recovery. I am already working on getting back on the field as soon as possible and helping the national team and the club again. I believe in our boys and I am sure that this time they will also show the team spirit that has always adorned us. I can’t wait to be able to wear the jersey with the national emblem again, and until then I will be Slovenia’s biggest fan. We Slovenians!
Mainoo’s withdrawal from the England squad came after a similar concern against Fulham, though neither Carrick nor the club have gone into further detail on that one yet. For more on how the Slovenian’s situation has developed, our reaction to Sesko’s recent injury concern is worth a read.
Tactical Impact on Midfield and Attack Ahead of Tottenham
Losing Rashford and Sesko at the same time is a blow up front, even with the break offering some breathing room before United host Tottenham Hotspur on October 10. Carrick named Luke Shaw in his starting line up against Fulham, a reminder that the left back is fit and available again, while summer signing Carlos Baleba stayed on the bench as an unused substitute.
Mainoo’s absence is felt more in midfield, where United already have plenty of questions over squad depth. This latest Man United injury update only adds to the sense that Carrick will need to manage bodies carefully once the Premier League resumes. Our piece on the recent talking points surrounding Rashford and Sesko looks at how the manager might set up without them.
Upcoming Recovery Timeline for Amad Diallo and Squad Return
There’s better news elsewhere on the treatment table. Amad Diallo has missed the entire season so far with a pre-season foot injury, but Carrick sounded genuinely hopeful when discussing his progress. “Amad, hopefully by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group,” the manager said, though he stopped short of putting a firm date on his return.
Matthijs de Ligt remains another player working his way back, having been out since suffering a back injury last November. “Matta is working towards his fitness as well,” Carrick said on Sunday, a sign the Dutchman’s rehabilitation continues to move in the right direction.
Manuel Ugarte, still recovering from the knee injury he picked up at the World Cup, and Tom Heaton, out with a hamstring problem, remain sidelined for now. With so many names on that list, United fans will hope to see as many of them back as possible before Tottenham arrive at Old Trafford.
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