Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action next week. After the international break and FA Cup action, United are back in action next Monday when they host rivals Leeds United.

United were last in action on Friday, 20 March, when they had to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. That result left United in third place in the Premier League table, one point above Aston Villa in fourth.

The match against Bournemouth also saw Harry Maguire shown a red card, meaning that he will be suspended for the match vs Leeds.

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The extra break has given some members of the United squad extra time to recover from any bumps, bruises or injuries. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest from the United treatment room.

Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring

The full-back has missed the last eight Premier League games due to a hamstring injury sustained in the closing stages of the clash against Arsenal. He is now back doing individual work on the grass as he steps up his recovery from the injury.

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (H), Sunday, 3 May

Bryan Mbeumo

Injury: Knock

The forward was withdrawn in the second half of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth as a precaution. He then pulled out of the Cameroon squad over the international break.

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Benjamin Sesko

Injury: Knock

Like Mbeumo, Sesko pulled out of international duty over the break. The striker has been dealing with a fitness concern over the last few weeks, but should be able to feature for United against Leeds.

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Calf

The centre-back has missed the last five Premier League games due to the injury, but is closing in on a comeback.

What has been said: “[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The defender has been out of action since November due to a back injury.

What has been said: “He’s obviously trying to work to get back but it’s just the back issue, really, that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can, to get him back as quickly as we can.”

Potential return date: Unknown

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Michael Carrick has five Manchester United injury concerns to contend with ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United

Manchester United have five players managing vastly different injury problems over the March international break. Michael Carrick has been rather fortunate regarding the fitness of his squad since his arrival as interim head coach, but that has somewhat changed over the last few weeks.

Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez have all missed at least the last month, while minor fitness concerns for Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko led to them withdraw from international duty with Cameroon and Slovenia, respectively.

Neither are expected to miss the visit of Leeds United in a fortnight, with the two attackers competing for the striker spot in Carrick’s team. The duo will have spent the last week at Carrington alongside the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount.

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The latter has missed a significant period of 2026 but returned off the bench against Bournemouth earlier this month. Noussair Mazraoui missed that trip to the Vitality Stadium through illness but was able to join up with Morocco and played the full 90 minutes of their friendly against Ecuador.

Elsewhere, Martinez has not played since the draw with West Ham United in early February, but Carrick has issued a very positive update on his condition.

He said: “[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.” Given the time spent out of the team, the Argentine could be eased back into the fold.

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Dorgu and De Ligt are also yet to return from extended absences, with the latter having not played since November because of a back injury.

It is a hamstring issue for Dorgu that Carrick has confirmed will keep him out for a bit longer, but he was able to deliver a positive update on the Netherlands international before the trip to Bournemouth.

He said: “It’s [a] similar [situation] really, and frustrating for Matta. He’s obviously trying to work to get back, but it’s just the back issue, really, that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard to get him back as quickly as we can.”

While some of United’s injured defenders could be back for the game against Leeds in mid-April, Harry Maguire will definitely miss out as he serves a suspension for the red card picked up against the Cherries.

If neither De Ligt or Martinez are fit enough to feature from the off, Leny Yoro could end up being partnered at the back by Ayden Heaven.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed his international break after being called up to train with the senior England squad. He returned to the under-20s later in the week and scored in their 3-3 draw against Italy.

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Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening, a match in which they were dealt a bitter blow when Harry Maguire was sent off

Manchester United head into the March international break on the back of a 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth. Already fraught with injury, the Reds’ defence took a further blow when Harry Maguire was sent off during Friday evening’s trip to the Vitality Stadium.

United were held to a 2-2 draw by the Cherries during the encounter, but it was Stuart Attwell’s decision to show Maguire a red for denying Evanilson a goalscoring opportunity in his own box which dominated the headlines. It came on a day in which Maguire received a call-up to the England national team by Thomas Tuchel.

The 33-year-old is part of a 35-man England squad to take on Uruguay and Japan at the end of the month. However, he will now be ineligible to take part in United’s clash with Leeds come April 13 as a result of a one-match ban.

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It comes as added stress to an already stretched defence, given an abundance of injuries that United are currently dealing with. Here, the MEN breaks down who is currently sidelined for the Reds, and their potential return dates…

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu has been recovering from a hamstring injury which he picked up against Arsenal at the turn of the year. He is not expected to return until April at the earliest.

Potential return date: April.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Noussair Mazraoui missed Manchester United’s trip to the south coast on Friday through illness, having also missed Wednesday’s training session. Carrick confirmed in his press conference: “[Dorgu] is a bit further down the line, but [Mazraoui] is just ill. He just wasn’t feeling too good today.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs United (H).

Matthijs De Ligt

Matthijs De Ligt has been ruled out of contention since November with a back injury. Speaking about the defender, Carrick said: “It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time. I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs Leeds (H).

Lisandro Martinez

While Lisandro Martinez also missed the Bournemouth match through a calf injury, Carrick gave a promising update on the Argentine. He said: “Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs Leeds (H).

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Manchester United face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday night, and both teams will have several players on the sidelines due to injury

Manchester United and Bournemouth will both have players on the sidelines when they meet in the Premier League on Friday night. The Reds will make the trip to the south coast to face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium in the Friday Night Football as they continue their quest to qualify for the Champions League.

Michael Carrick steered United to a victory over Aston Villa in their last match in the Premier League, which boosted their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Next up in Bournemouth, which will give United the chance to extend the advantage over top-four rivals Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool ahead of the weekend’s round of fixtures.

However, Carrick will be forced to have some members of the United squad on the sidelines and unavailable for selection.

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Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined for United as he continues to recover from a back injury which has ruled the defender out since November, and Carrick has admitted he is unsure when a return to the matchday squad will happen.

“It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time,” Carrick said. “I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.

“We’re just kind of being patient and working through it. We’ll just have to see. We’ll obviously give him time and try to get him back as quick as we can, but it’s really difficult to say. I’m not trying to hide anything, literally at the moment we don’t know so we’ll have to wait and see.

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“He’s improving, it’s not improving as quick as we all hope, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable for United as he recovers from a hamstring injury, and is not expected to return until next month at the earliest.

Noussair Mazraoui has also emerged as a doubt for United after Carrick confirmed the defender missing training on Wednesday with illness.

“[Dorgu] is a bit further down the line, but [Mazraoui] is just ill,” Carrick said. “He just wasn’t feeling too good today.”

Lisandro Martinez is also expected to miss United’s clash with Bournemouth with a calf injury, but Carrick provided an optimistic update earlier this week.

“[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer,” he said. “He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Bournemouth will also have several players on the sidelines for the clash against United. Justin Kluivert is still ruled out after having surgery on a knee injury back in January.

Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams are also unavailable for the Cherries, with manager Andoni Iraola providing an update earlier this week.

“Tyler is not going to be available, as you suppose, because he hasn’t been in the squad for the US,” Iraola told reporters this week.

“Lewis Cook is still not ready. We have almost three weeks now without a game [after Manchester United] so we want to use that space for him to recover properly and be ready for the next one. We have no fresh injuries.”

Julio Soler is also still unavailable for Bournemouth with a hamstring injury he picked up earlier this season.

Manchester United were handed a new injury worry in their Premier League win over beat Aston Villa this past weekend

Manchester United got back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as they beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford. Goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko sealed the victory, with Bruno Fernandes also putting in another superb performance.

Michael Carrick’s are now three points clear of Villa in the race for Champions League football next season. Chelsea and Liverpool also failing to win meant it was a great weekend for United as they now sit six and five points above their two rivals, respectively

There was some good news for Carrick and Co. even before the action kicked off with Mason Mount back in the matchday squad. He remained an unused substitute on his return to the fold after six weeks out due to injury.

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Three key players remain unavailable however, with a possible fresh injury concern spotted late into the win against Villa. With all of that being said, the Manchester Evening News has rounded up the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could all return.

Bryan Mbeumo

In the 75th minute, Mbeumo was replaced by Sesko with Gary Neville suggesting he may have been injured as the Sky Sports co-commentator questioned if he was limping while he made his way off. He also noticed him look at a United teammate “as if he might be carrying something.”

Carrick was not asked about a potential Mbeumo injury after the game. Having struggled to have an impact, it seems more likely he was disappointed with his performance.

Possible return date: Bournemouth (A) – March 20

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has missed United’s last four games through injury. It looked to be a minor issue for the Argentine but he suffered a setback in training recently, as per The Daily Mail, that delayed his return.

What Carrick has said (March 3): “He’s not quite ready for that. We’ve got one or two we’re trying to work to get them back.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 13

Mason Mount

Mount was named on United’s bench for the visit of Villa following a positive update from Carrick earlier this week.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is back with the group, which is fantastic. He’s not 100 per cent, because he’s only trained with us a small amount of time, but he’s back, and that’s good for us. So, we’ll see if he’s involved or not.”

Possible return date: Returned

Matthijs de Ligt

It has nearly been four months out of action for Matthijs de Ligt due to a back issue. United have been managing the problem carefully and thus it seems likely he will return after the upcoming international break and FA Cup quarter-final weekend.

What Carrick has said (Feb 28): “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there.

He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 13

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu has missed the last month-and-a-half with a hamstring injury suffered in the win over Arsenal. He is another expected to be back for the game against Leeds United in mid-April, however.

What Carrick has said (Jan 30): “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 13

Manchester United return to Premier League action this afternoon when Aston Villa travel to Old Trafford

07:00, 15 Mar 2026

Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford this afternoon as they look to cement their place in the top four. The Reds last played 11 days ago but only Mason Mount is back with the squad after suffering a knock at the start of February.

Lisandro Martinez’s recovery from a calf injury is taking longer to heal than expected. Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu remain long-term absentees with back and hamstring issues respectively. Noussair Mazraoui was injured in the defeat to Newcastle but trained this week with his teammates at Carrington.

Here are the United teams our writers think Michael Carrick should select against Villa.

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Tyrone Marshall

Carrick isn’t flush with options at the moment, with two of his best central defenders still injured, and although Mount is back in training, this is going to be too soon for a start, and it’s hard to see how he gets in the side anyway.

I would stick with Mazraoui ahead of Diogo Dalot at right-back at the moment. That change was made at Newcastle and it feels like it’s worth seeing the Moroccan in a few games now in that position.

The midfield picks itself, but I would change things up in the front three. Amad has been bright off the bench and as a left-footer, I would try him on the left to try and stretch the pitch and offer some more width. Carrick believes he can play there and he could have a similar impact to Dorgu. Matheus Cunha can drop to the bench.

Jack Flintham

Mazraoui may have returned to training this week but I would be hesitant to start him ahead of Dalot. It could be safer not to risk the Morocco international considering his injury at Newcastle.

The midfield three have cemented their places in the team and should remain unchanged. Amad will be desperate to return to the starting line-up but I am unsure of his suitability on the left.

Dorgu would be a perfect addition on that side but his injury ruins that plan. As such, Cunha probably has to keep his place.

Manchester United return to action on Sunday after an 11-day break without any games when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat under the guidance of Michael Carrick in their last outing when they are back in Premier League action this weekend. They have a chance to give their hopes of Champions League qualification a big boost.

Third-placed United host fourth-placed Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off). The match comes 11 days after a 2-1 loss against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

While United have had a bit longer to prepare for the game, Villa were in action on Thursday night, recording a 1-0 away win over Lille in the first leg of their Europa League tie.

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The extra time will come as a boost to United, with players nursing and overcoming knocks having a longer chance to recover and be available for selection.

Ahead of the game, Carrick has given the latest update on his squad, with two boosts, although there are still some players remaining on the sidelines. With that in mind, here is the latest from the Carrington treatment room.

Mason Mount

Injury: Knock.

The midfielder has been out since early in Carrick’s reign.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is back with the group, which is fantastic. He’s an important player for us, Mason, and to have him back and involved is a good step for us.

“He is not 100 per cent in terms of back, because he’s only trained a very small amount of time, but he’s back and that’s good for us so we’ll see whether he’s involved or not on Sunday, but it’s a big step for him, so we’re happy with that. That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: vs Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Injury: Foot

The defender was forced off the pitch in the closing stages of the loss against Newcastle with a foot injury.

What has been said: “Noussair Mazraoui trained this week despite coming off with a knock during our 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, nine days ago,” United wrote in an update on their official website.

Possible return date:vs Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Calf.

The defender has missed the last three Premier League games due to the injury.

What Carrick has said: “That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: April.

Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring.

The full-back has missed the last six Premier League games due to his injury.

What Carrick has said: “That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: April.

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The back injury has caused De Ligt to miss the last three-and-a-half months of action.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.” (Feb 27)

Possible return date: April.

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Manchester United will now enjoy a 10-day break before their next Premier League game against Aston Villa following Wednesday’s defeat to Newcastle United

Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Michael Carrick on Wednesday night as Newcastle United beat them 2-1 at St James’ Park. William Osula’s injury-time winner handed Eddie Howe’s 10-men all three points after Jacob Ramsey was sent off.

The defeat leaves the race for Champions League football wide open with Chelsea picking up an emphatic 4-1 victory at Aston Villa. Fortunately for Michael Carrick’s men, they will get over a week to recover and prepare for their next league clash against Villa.

It comes at the perfect time for United, with a number of players suffering with injuries. At Newcastle, Noussair Mazraoui was forced off and replaced by Tyrell Malacia late on. Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez all missed the defeat.

With all of that being said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could return.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Since returning from AFCON, Mazraoui came off the bench in three straight games before starting the previous two. After playing 66 minutes against Palace, he lasted 85 minutes at Newcastle.

However, as the United players left the stadium late on Wednesday night, the Moroccan international was spotted walking with a small limp and looking uncomfortable.

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) –Sunday, March 15.

Luke Shaw

Shaw came off in the first half against Crystal Palace last weekend with what appeared to be a foot issue. He started the Newcastle defeat, but was replaced on the hour by Manuel Ugarte.

Possible return date: Returned

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has been absent for United’s last three games with a calf issue. He wasn’t in the squad at Newcastle, with Under-21s defender Godwill Kukonki named on the bench as defensive cover.

What Carrick has said: “Licha, it was a small issue, so he’s getting closer. He won’t be out for very long so we’ll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he’s he’s not far away.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Mason Mount

Mount has not played for United since Carrick’s first game in charge against Manchester City. He was in the squad in the 3-2 win over Arsenal, but was left on the bench.

There is hope that he could return for the game against Aston Villa next weekend.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass, and he’s getting closer. He’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He’s just had to be patient… He’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt has been out with a back injury for the last three months. However, the latest update on the defender suggests that he is getting closer to a return.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there.

“He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 13

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Arsenal and Carrick confirmed he would miss a considerable period back in late January.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Late March

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United head to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League this evening and several players are set to miss the clash

As many as 13 players could miss Manchester United’s match with Newcastle United this evening. The Reds were given a surprise boost ahead of their Premier League clash after the Magpies squad was hit by an illness bug.

Eddie Howe will be without £69million man Nick Woltemade who has come down with an illness, while Jacob Ramsey was also sick during the Magpies’ defeat to Everton at the weekend.

Newcastle are set to run checks on Ramsey ahead of the game, while Tino Livramento could return for the Magpies, though Howe would not go as far to confirm his return to the matchday squad. The Toon are already without a key midfield duo – talisman Bruno Guimaraes and youngster Lewis Miley.

While their are further absentees in defence with Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar confirmed to be sidelined. It amounts to seven Newcastle players who could miss the game.

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Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Nick Woltemade has come down ill. Let’s see, we will give him every chance. There is obviously an illness in the squad.”

On Livramento, he said:”Possibly. Tino is getting closer and closer, this game possibly comes too soon for him, we are desperate for him to become available.

“It’s like a chain that goes down, we’re desperate for him to be back available, but it has to be at the right time. And every injury situation is not always as simple as you give a return date and the player comes back.

“There’s always little things that can happen either way. I think he’s slightly ahead of the schedule initially given, but yeah, he’s in the last little bits of his rehab now.”

United have injury problems of their own with Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire doubts after the win over Crystal Palace.

Carrick said: “We’re hoping so, we’re working towards it. They weren’t feeling too good, so we’ve still got a bit of time to the game, and we’ll just have to see how they feel. We’ll obviously give them every chance.”

United were also without Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt for the win over the Eagles, and the quartet are unlikely to feature at St. James’ Park, taking the Reds’ tally to six possible absentees.

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Manchester United face Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday, with Michael Carrick facing several injury and fitness dilemmas

Michael Carrick was able to issue positive Manchester United updates on Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire before the Premier League clash against to Newcastle. The defensive duo were forced off during the win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are already missing for Carrick, with a youthful defensive pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven subsequently seeing out Sunday’s victory. Further forward, Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu are also out but at different stages of their respective recoveries, with the former close to returning.

For his first game in charge, Carrick had just one senior player missing, but fitness issues are now starting to mount. Thankfully, two players believed to be dealing with problems are not actually injured, but are not guaranteed to be available for the trip to St James’ Park

With all of that being said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could return.

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Luke Shaw

Shaw was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui in the first half against Palace with what appeared to be a foot issue. Carrick has since confirmed however, that he was not injured.

What Carrick has said: “Still got a bit of time to the game, and we’ll just have to see how they feel. So we’ll give them every chance. We’re working towards it. They weren’t feeling too good, we’ve still got a bit of time to the game so we’ll see how they feel.

“It wasn’t injury, both weren’t feeling too good, so it’s one of those things really. We’ll see how they are.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Wednesday, March 4.

Harry Maguire

Midway through the second half against the Eagles, Maguire looked to hobble off but Carrick has again revealed no injury has been suffered.

What Carrick has said: “Still got a bit of time to the game, and we’ll just have to see how they feel. So we’ll give them every chance. We’re working towards it. They weren’t feeling too good, we’ve still got a bit of time to the game so we’ll see how they feel.

“It wasn’t injury, both weren’t feeling too good, so it’s one of those things really. We’ll see how they are.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Wednesday, March 4.

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has been absent for United’s last two games with a calf issue. The Argentine does not look set to be back for the trip to Newcastle.

What Carrick has said: “Licha, it was a small issue, so he’s getting closer. He won’t be out for very long so we’ll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he’s he’s not far away.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Mason Mount

Mount has not played for United since Carrick’s first game in charge against Manchester City. He was an unused substitute at Arsenal the following week and has not been in a matchday squad since.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass, and he’s getting closer. He’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He’s just had to be patient… He’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Wednesday, March 4.

Matthijs de Ligt

For the last three months, De Ligt has been dealing with a back injury that United look to be carefully managing. Carrick’s latest update suggests that he is moving in the right direction, though.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there.

“He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 11/12

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Arsenal and Carrick confirmed he would miss a considerable period back in late January.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Late March

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