Manchester United hit with huge injury blow as Michael Carrick explains FOUR absentees for Sunderland clash | OneFootball

Red Devils shorthanded for trip to Wearside as veteran misses out

Manchester United have suffered a trio of new injury blows ahead of their trip to face Sunderland today.

There is not much left for the Red Devils to play for this season after they confirmed their qualification for the Champions League last time out, but Michael Carrick is keen to finish the season well as he looks to turn his temporary post to a permanent one.

Matthijs de Ligt was not a surprise absentee given he has not played for United since November, but he has new company in the physio’s office.

Sesko was hooked early in last week’s win over Liverpool after crashing into the advertising hoardings and taking a knock, but Casemiro and Ugarte’s issues are new.

Carrick was quick to quell any worries surrounding their fitness, though, confirming Casemiro is due back in short order. Ugarte may be facing a longer spell out with a back problem, though.

The Man United boss explained: “Ben (Sesko) has been carrying a shin problem for some time and he took another quite big bang on it, he obviously had to come off last week.

“(Casemiro) will be fine for next week [vs Nottingham Forest at home], it is nothing major.

“Manu (Ugarte) had a problem with his back in midweek, so that’s the injuries ironed out.

Joshua Zirkzee takes Sesko’s usual place in the starting lineup, starting for the first time in any competition since December. Casemiro and Ugarte’s absences, meanwhile, have prompted a midfield shuffle which sees Mason Mount recalled.