The latest Man Utd injury list and return dates as Michael Carrick’s side enter the three-week international break
Manchester United went into the international break in far from ideal circumstances, with a 1-1 draw against Fulham seeing them extend their winless run to three matches. As things stand, Michael Carrick’s side are 12th in the Premier League table, and are already a whole ten points off league leaders and local rivals Manchester City.
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There have been some heavy critics of United’s summer transfer window. While the Red Devils managed to overhaul their creaking midfield with three new signings, they failed to sign a new left-back or a backup striker for Benjamin Sesko. Should results not improve, then the recruitment team at Old Trafford may well end up regretting their decisions.
As the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo head off for a hectic period of international duty, we’ve got the latest Man United injury update and potential return dates with an intriguing clash against Tottenham Hotspur awaiting Carrick’s side after the international break.
When will Matthijs de Ligt be back from injury?
Matthijs de Ligt hasn't played for Man United for almost ten monthsplaceholder image
Matthijs de Ligt hasn't played for Man United for almost ten months | Getty Images
Matthijs de Ligt has been sorely missed by United this season, with Carrick’s defence appearing particularly fragile in his absence. The towering Dutchman has been out of action since last November, after suffering a brutal back injury during a game against Crystal Palace. He’s now finally close to his comeback, and could return soon after the international break. Expected return date: 10th October vs Tottenham.
Kobbie Mainoo was among a number of players to pull out of England’s squad for the upcoming international break, joining the likes of Cole Palmer and Declan Rice in raising the eyebrows of some critical pundits. Mainoo, who went to the 2026 World Cup with England but didn’t play a single minute, is now out with an unspecified knock. Expected return date: 10th October vs Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte is making gradual progress as he continues to recover from the serious knee injury he suffered during his side’s dismal World Cup group stage exit. The club have put no timescale on when he could return, but the club’s decision to sign three midfielders over the summer does indicate he could be out for some time yet. The same goes for third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who remains out with a hamstring injury. Expected return dates: Unknown.
Man Utd injuries and return dates: Rashford to Sesko
Benjamin Sesko will miss the international break with Sloveniaplaceholder image
Benjamin Sesko will miss the international break with Slovenia | Carl Recine/Getty Images
United striker Sesko is a concern heading into the international break, after injuring his shin during his side’s harrowing 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. The club are currently awaiting the results of tests to determine the severity of the injury. It’s thought that he has aggravated a previous injury, and may require rest to fully resolve the problem. Expected return date: 10th October vs Tottenham.
Like Mainoo, Marcus Rashford pulled out of international duty with England after being named in their squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. He took a heavy tackle in the first half against Fulham and was substituted in the 76th minute of the game. Carrick said that the 28-year-old had an “issue”, but gave no further detail on what that may be. Expected return date: 10th October vs Tottenham.
Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury towards the end of United’s pre-season campaign, and as a result hasn’t featured for the side yet this season. Carrick expects to have the Ivory Coast international at his disposal once the international break has concluded, and he should be involved in training with the first-team over the next couple of weeks. Expected return date: 10th October vs Tottenham.