Man United duo could be set for return against Brighton | OneFootball

Manchester United injury news ahead of Brighton as Carrick needs a response

Manchester United have no time to sulk. The derby defeat to Manchester City was contentious, the fallout has rumbled on, and the table already looks awkward. Four points from a possible 12 is a poor start by any standard, and Michael Carrick knows it.

He put it plainly enough. United have “got to get back to winning football matches”. That is the job now, and the next chance comes in the Carabao Cup against Brighton at Old Trafford.

There is a revenge angle too. Brighton beat United in the FA Cup earlier in the year, and they remain a side capable of exposing any looseness in structure or intensity. United, for their part, are still waiting on several important players, and the availability list matters because this squad already looks stretched in key areas.

Here is the latest on the main Manchester United injury concerns before the Brighton clash, with the expected return dates based on the current information.

Luke Shaw close to return for Manchester United

Luke Shaw had started every Premier League game last season, so his absence in the derby stood out. The left-back picked up a knock in the 2-2 draw with Everton on September 6 and also missed the Champions League win over Sabah.

The good news is that the issue does not appear serious. Carrick made that clear when he said: “Close, very close, just not quite there. It’s very small but unfortunately not for today.”

That suggests Shaw is not far away, and United will hope he can return either for Brighton or the trip to Fulham. Given the lack of natural balance without him, his recovery matters. He gives United width, tempo in possession and a degree of calm that has been missing at times.

Potential return date: September 16 vs Brighton

Carlos Baleba set to wait longer after £70m move

Carlos Baleba arrived from Brighton for £70m, but he has yet to make his debut. United signed him carrying an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season against Strasbourg, and that has delayed his start at Old Trafford.

There was some optimism that he could be available before the international break, but that now looks unlikely. Facing his former club this week appears a stretch.

Carrick said: “He’s got a little ankle issue. 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.”

Photo: IMAGO

That is all encouraging in the medium term, but right now it is still theoretical. Baleba has talent, physicality and upside, but United need players on the pitch, not in the treatment room. A return after the international break looks the most realistic call.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham

Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt latest updates

Amad Diallo was missing from the squad for the opening day defeat at newly promoted Hull after suffering an ankle problem in training. It came out of nowhere and has left United short of another attacking option during a period when sharpness in the final third has not been consistent.

There is still no firm timeframe from Carrick, which usually means caution. Early suggestions pointed to around six weeks out, and if that proves accurate then Amad is another one who is likely to return only after the international break.

That would put Tottenham at home in view, followed by a demanding run featuring Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como away from home. United will need him fit soon enough, particularly if they want more penetration from wide areas.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham

Matthijs de Ligt is closer. The defender has been edging back after back surgery in May, and while there was concern when he missed a training session last week, it later emerged that he was simply on a designated rest day.

So there has been no setback, which is the key point. Carrick said: “We have to see. It’s positive. 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 and it’s great to have him back around us. Hopefully, some time soon.”

That sounds like a player on the brink of availability. Whether he starts immediately is another matter, but United need depth and authority at centre-back, and De Ligt should provide both when fully ready.

Potential return date: September 16 vs Brighton

Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton remain longer-term absentees

Manuel Ugarte has not played at all this season after suffering a ligament injury with Uruguay during the summer. It was a serious setback, and all indications are that United are taking a very long-term view on his rehabilitation.

The midfielder was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the group phase, and there is still no proper return window in place. The only clear progress so far is that he has been back working in the gym at Carrington with the medical and performance staff.

That is a start, nothing more. United will not see him any time soon, and the expectation remains that he will not return until 2027.

Potential return date: Unknown

Tom Heaton is also still out. The veteran goalkeeper suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season against Paris Saint-Germain on August 8 and has not featured since. There have been very few updates, which leaves his situation vague.

As third-choice keeper, his absence does not alter the first-team picture dramatically, but United would still prefer to have experience available in reserve, especially with cup matches arriving early in the campaign.

Potential return date: Unknown

The broader picture is straightforward. Shaw and De Ligt are close, Baleba and Amad are more likely to return after the international break, and Ugarte remains a long way off. For Carrick, that means no excuses and little room for drift. Brighton are next, and United need a reaction.

Further details around the latest Manchester United injury news will become clearer as the Brighton fixture approaches.