Manchester United will hope that their injury situation clears up fast as the early season pressure continues to mount on Michael Carrick.
It has been a hugely disappointing start to his first full season in charge for the Red Devils’ new permanent manager, whose growing woes deepened with a dismal home defeat by Brighton that ousted his side from the Carabao Cup.
Man Utd led 2-0 within just 10 minutes of Wednesday night’s third-round tie at Old Trafford thanks to teenage winger Shea Lacey’s stunning first senior goal on his full debut and a quick follow-up by Mason Mount, but ended up inexplicably ceding control of the game from there.
Brighton dominated and hit back in stunning fashion to win 3-2 and book a last-16 clash with the winners of Thursday night’s game between Manchester City and Norwich, becoming the first team since 1976 to beat United at Old Trafford after going two goals down.
It compounded the massively controversial derby defeat by City, a late draw at Everton and shock loss at newly-promoted Hull, with big wins over Ipswich and Champions League debutants Sabah FK the only bright spots for Carrick so far this term.
The loss to Brighton came after the bombshell news that teenage sensation JJ Gabriel has asked to leave United, with plenty of pressure building already on Carrick ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham - which is followed immediately by an extended three-week international break.
Here is all the latest Manchester United injury news and return dates ahead of that important showdown at Craven Cottage, with a tough run looming in October that includes games against Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw will continue to be assessed ahead of the trip to Fulham after sitting out United’s last three matches with an unspecified problem.
Carrick previously said that the left-back could make his return against Brighton, though he ended up remaining sidelined having also missed the Manchester derby and Champions League rout of Sabah FK.
“Luke could [be available],” Carrick said on Tuesday. “He could possibly be fit for Brighton, but we’ll see. It’s not clear-cut, but it’s a matter of a few days rather than anything else.”
Potential return date: Sunday September 20, vs Fulham (A)
Amad Diallo
United have been sorely missing Amad Diallo, who was a shock absentee from their squad for the opening game of the new season at Hull as the result of an ankle injury suffered in training in the build-up to the game.
The Ivorian winger has yet to play at all this term following a successful World Cup, with reports that he could be out of action for up to six weeks.
In his last update prior to the Brighton defeat, Carrick said: “Amad is not quite close, in terms of days, you know. We’ll see as the week progresses.”
Amad seems set to miss out again at Fulham, with United hoping he will be able to return after the international break.
Potential return date: Saturday October 10, vs Tottenham (H)
Carlos Baleba
United fans continue to eagerly anticipate the debut of Carlos Baleba, a long-time midfield transfer target who finally arrived from Brighton last month in a deal worth £70million.
The Cameroon international sustained an ankle ligament injury during Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Strasbourg in early August and was ruled out for a period of several weeks.
Carrick said he hoped that Baleba would be in a position to play within two to three weeks amid the chance of a debut before the international break, with the 22-year-old beginning to work outside at Carrington earlier this week.
However, a swift reunion with his former club in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday came too soon and he also won’t be considered to face Fulham.
It is hoped that Baleba will be available to play some part against Tottenham in United’s first match back next month.
Potential return date: Saturday October 10, vs Tottenham (H)
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt last played for United in November 2025, having aggravated a lower back injury during a match against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Then manager Ruben Amorim initially described the issue as minor and suggested that the Dutch defender could return in a matter of days, though he has not featured since.
De Ligt eventually needed an operation in May and missed the World Cup with the Netherlands, while he has yet to make his return this season.
He has been steadily working his way back to full fitness in training, so a comeback should not be too far away now, though any role against Fulham this weekend looks very unlikely.
Instead, Carrick will hope that De Ligt can benefit from another three weeks of work during the extended international break and be in contention thereafter.
Potential return date: Saturday October 10, vs Tottenham (H)
Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off during Uruguay’s World Cup clash with Spain in Mexico in June and was later confirmed to have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee.
He underwent surgery and remains a long-term absentee, with suggestions that he faces a recovery time of around nine to 12 months.
It remains to be seen if he will play at all this season, with Ugarte likely to have left United during the summer transfer window were it not for his injury.
Potential return date: Early to mid-2027
Tom Heaton
Behind Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow as United’s veteran third-choice goalkeeper, the 40-year-old is still sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered after starting in last month’s high-profile pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden.
Potential return date: Unknown
