Carrick’s Manchester Derby Puzzle Deepens as United Lose Six Players

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United’s medical department is managing injuries across every outfield position before a demanding three-match stretch that begins with Sunday’s visit from Manchester City and ends before the upcoming FIFA international break. Six first-team players are either sidelined or working through rehabilitation protocols following Thursday’s 4-0 European win over Azerbaijani club Sabah FC.

Luke Shaw remains the most pressing selection question. The England international started United’s opening three Premier League fixtures before leaving a victory against Everton in the 73rd minute because of muscle cramping. He then missed training ahead of the Sabah match and was omitted from the matchday squad.

“It’s a little bit of that [managing him],” Carrick said regarding Shaw’s absence. “He came off the other day [at Everton] with a little bit of cramp. We didn’t want to take any risks really. We tried to manage him so we will see how he is after this one.”

Patrick Dorgu filled in at left-back against Sabah and received the official UEFA Player of the Match award. Carrick must now decide whether to start the younger Danish defender in a high-intensity domestic match or risk bringing Shaw back too quickly for a 90-minute assignment.

United’s goalkeeping options are also limited. Third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during pre-season training, leaving André Onana and Altay Bayındır available in goal.

Carlos Baleba has yet to make his competitive debut after suffering an ankle ligament injury in a pre-season friendly against French club RC Strasbourg Alsace. The 20-year-old midfielder joined United from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £70 million ($91 million) transfer.

“He’s got a little ankle issue,” Carrick said of Baleba. “So, maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, we’ll see. But we knew that before, so it’s no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back when we can. We’re delighted with Carlos. I think huge potential, massive potential. I think it’s a really exciting signing for us.”

Baleba has been ruled out of the Manchester derby, while team medical staff are targeting the Premier League fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage for his potential return. United’s midfield situation is further complicated by Manuel Ugarte’s long-term absence.

Ugarte, the Uruguay international who transferred from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, underwent surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Uruguay in June. He is expected to remain out of action until 2027.

Youri Tielemans was replaced at half-time by Mason Mount during Thursday’s match against Sabah. The change was planned to manage Mount’s workload as he returns to full match fitness, rather than being prompted by an injury concern for Tielemans.

Amad Diallo is still unavailable in attack after suffering an ankle injury during a training session before United’s season-opening defeat at Hull City. Carrick has not given the Ivorian international a definitive return date, although the medical staff expects him to remain out until after the international break.

Matthijs de Ligt is approaching the final phase of his rehabilitation. The Netherlands international has not played since November of last year because of a persistent lower back injury that eventually required surgery in March.

“It’s positive. Matta [De Ligt] has trained really well,” Carrick said. “I think when you’re out for such a long period of time and you get right to the final stages and you push and you push, you’ve got to manage that last stage. It’s important. We’ve got to get that balance right for when to take the next step. But he’s on a good track, he’s in a good place, and it’s great to have him back around us, and hopefully it’ll be sometime soon.”

De Ligt is unlikely to feature against Manchester City. United have identified the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion or the league fixture at Fulham as more realistic targets for his return.

Despite the decisive Old Trafford victory over Sabah FC, player availability remains United’s primary structural challenge. After Sunday’s derby against Manchester City, the club will host Brighton in the Carabao Cup before traveling to London to face Fulham ahead of the two-week international hiatus.