Manchester United’s Injury Crisis Tests Carrick Against Brighton

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United’s early-season pressure will continue at Old Trafford, where Michael Carrick prepares his team for a Carabao Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion.

United have secured just four points from a possible 12 in their opening four Premier League fixtures. Their run includes an opening-day setback against newly promoted Hull City, a 2-2 draw with Everton, and a derby loss to Manchester City, although they did claim a Champions League victory against Azerbaijani side Sabah.

Brighton eliminated United from the FA Cup earlier this year, and Carrick said before hosting them: “We’ve got to get back to winning football matches.” Fixtures are accumulating across domestic and European competitions, while injuries continue to restrict his tactical options across multiple positions.

Midfield reinforcements remain further away. Carlos Baleba, United’s major summer signee, cannot face his former club after completing a £70 million ($91.5 million) transfer from Brighton. He arrived at Carrington with an ankle ligament injury sustained during a pre-season match against Strasbourg and has yet to make his official debut.

Carrick said Baleba’s competitive debut will likely be delayed until after the upcoming international break, with an October return being targeted. “He’s got a little ankle issue. So, maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, we’ll see,” Carrick said. “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. Massive potential. I think it’s a really exciting signing for us.”

The defensive picture could improve first on the left flank. Luke Shaw, who started every Premier League match for the club last season, is approaching a return after missing recent games because of a knock sustained during the 2-2 draw against Everton on Sept. 6.

Shaw’s absence exposed United’s lack of natural balance on the left side during both the Sabah match and the derby. “Close, very close, just not quite there,” Carrick said of Shaw’s availability. “It’s very small but unfortunately not for today.” Medical staff are monitoring him for possible inclusion against Brighton on Sept. 16 or in the upcoming league match against Fulham.

Matthijs de Ligt is also nearing full selection fitness at center-back. The Dutch international underwent back surgery in May and has been progressing through a managed load program. Although he missed a training session last week, club officials confirmed that the absence was a scheduled rest day rather than a physical setback.

“We have to see. It’s positive,” Carrick said of De Ligt. “He’s trained really well but we’re still managing it. When you’re out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you’ve got to manage that last stage. It’s important to get that balance right to take the next step. But he’s on a good track, in a good place.”

United’s wide options are similarly limited after winger Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury in training before the league opener against Hull. He was initially ruled out for approximately six weeks, pointing to a potential return for the Oct. 10 fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.

Amad’s availability will be critical during a dense autumn schedule that features matches against Atletico Madrid in Europe as well as away league trips to Leeds United and Como. The long-term recovery list includes Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who remains sidelined after suffering a severe ligament injury during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in summer international play.

Ugarte was stretchered off during that match and has since been limited to gym-based rehabilitation at Carrington. Club medical personnel are taking a cautious approach, with no firm timetable for his return to full training, although current estimates stretch into 2027.

Veteran third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also out after suffering a hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain on Aug. 8.

As six-time winners of the League Cup, United rely on squad depth to navigate the early cup rounds. With key players isolated in rehabilitation and limited turnarounds between fixtures, Carrick must rely on his available core to secure a result against Brighton before resuming Premier League action.