United’s medical puzzle: Rashford doubt, Baleba wait, De Ligt back — derby countdown on

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United is navigating a bifurcinated medical report as manager Michael Carrick prepares his squad for a congested fixture schedule headlined by an upcoming clash with Sabah and the Manchester derby against Manchester City.

Rashford remains under evaluation ahead of the Sept. 10 home match against Sabah, which represents the earliest window for his participation if medical staff clear him for action, though United may opt to preserve him for the weekend derby. Carrick confirmed following the match that the withdrawal was precautionary after the forward experienced physical discomfort.

“Yeah, he was feeling a bit of something,” Carrick said regarding Rashford’s condition.

In the attacking third, Amad is nearing his return to competitive action after being sidelined for the opening portion of the campaign due to a muscle injury sustained during preseason training. While Carrick previously indicated the Ivory Coast international would require “a little bit longer” in his recovery process, the winger is progressing toward potential selection for the Manchester City fixture, offering United an additional wide attacking option from the bench.

United’s defensive unit received a significant boost with the return of center-back Matthijs de Ligt to first-team training sessions. The club is targeting a phased reintegration for De Ligt throughout September as he rebuilds match sharpness.

“[De Ligt]’s obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and great to have him back,” Carrick said. “He’s in good shape and moving in a good direction. So that’s really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back.”

The club’s medical staff at Carrington is balancing short-term assessments for key attacking personnel alongside extended rehabilitation programs for several major defensive and midfield acquisitions.

United’s immediate focus centers on the fitness of Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo ahead of the Sept. 13 Premier League derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Rashford was substituted in the 70th minute of United’s recent fixture against Everton after displaying sharpness and attacking directness down the flank.

These developments follow the successful returns of defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Mason Mount. Shaw returned directly to the starting lineup against Everton, while Mount has resumed full training after overcoming his own fitness hurdles, stabilizing Carrick’s options on the left side and in central areas.

In midfield, newly signed £70 million acquisition Carlos Baleba continues to await his club debut while managing a pre-existing ankle issue. Baleba’s projected timeline points toward a full integration following the upcoming international window, with United’s Oct. 10 home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur serving as a targeted milestone for his competitive availability.

“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, but we’ll see,” Carrick said. “But we knew that before, so it’s no major issue. It will be great to have him back. We’ll wait and see. We’re hopeful but I don’t want to put any deadlines on it just yet.”

De Ligt had been sidelined since November after undergoing surgery to repair a lower back injury. The Dutch defender has commenced progressive conditioning work with the main group after ten months of specialized rehabilitation. The club has monitored the injury since his arrival and is taking a measured approach to his integration.

Conversely, midfielder Manuel Ugarte faces the most extensive recovery timeline among United’s sidelined players. Ugarte is undergoing long-term rehabilitation following surgical reconstruction of torn knee ligaments sustained during international competition at the World Cup. The midfielder’s recovery protocol is projected to keep him out of competitive action through the current campaign, with club medical personnel targeting a return between Spring and Summer 2027.

United opens its dual-competition stretch on Sept. 10 against Sabah before hosting Manchester City three days later in domestic league play.