Man United injury update: Michael Carrick juggling defensive concerns as return dates emerge
Man United continue to navigate a demanding Premier League schedule, and Michael Carrick finds himself balancing momentum with a growing list of fitness concerns. Benjamin Sesko’s late impact secured another vital win and pushed the club back into the top four, yet the injury update dominating discussion afterwards highlighted just how thin the margins remain during this crucial stage of the campaign.
Carrick’s side managed to collect three valuable points on Merseyside, strengthening their position in the race for Champions League football. Still, squad availability remains a talking point as several key players race against time to return.
Lisandro Martinez fitness latest
Lisandro Martinez’s absence raised eyebrows before kick off, particularly given his run of nine consecutive appearances. The Argentine defender, who only returned in November after a lengthy ACL lay off, picked up a suspected calf issue during training.
“Unfortunately he just picked up something during the week,” Carrick said ahead of the Everton match. “It doesn’t seem too bad at all, but we’re just kind of working through that at the moment, so he’s not available tonight. He’s obviously done well for us, and it’s disappointing.”
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Leny Yoro stepped in alongside Harry Maguire, who shifted across the defensive line, and Man United coped well enough on the night. Even so, Martinez’s leadership and aggression are difficult to replace. Early signs suggest he could return soon, potentially in time for the clash with Crystal Palace, which would be a timely boost for Carrick’s defensive options.
Mason Mount recovery progress
Among the more encouraging updates involves Mason Mount, who has been sidelined since early February. The midfielder missed games against Tottenham, West Ham and Everton after sustaining a minor injury in training, but remains close to a comeback.
Previewing the Everton fixture, Carrick explained: “Mason (Mount) is getting closer. We have to be patient with him, we don’t want to rush anything. He’s an important part of the group, Mason, and we want him back and fit and he’ll have a big impact for us. So, he’s getting closer, which is good for us.”
Mount’s energy and tactical intelligence have been missed, particularly as Man United adjust to life without cup distractions. His return could add balance to midfield at a decisive moment in the season.
Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu setbacks
Matthijs de Ligt’s situation remains less clear. The Dutch defender has not featured since suffering a lower back injury in November, and progress has been slow. Carrick recently admitted: “Matta, a little bit working towards it, but as I said last week, he’s a little bit behind Mason, really, so we’re just trying to work with him, to progress him, to get him a bit closer.” For now, no firm return date exists, leaving uncertainty around defensive depth.
Patrick Dorgu faces a longer absence after a hamstring injury sustained shortly after scoring in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal. Carrick offered an honest assessment of the situation: “Pat, unfortunately, is going to be out for a period of time. We are still working through how long that is going to be. It’s disappointing because he has had such a big couple of weeks. We weren’t sure if it was a little bit of cramp or if it was something more serious. At the moment, it is looking a little bit more of a serious note. A few weeks out. How many weeks? We will have to wait and see. It is disappointing for all of us and Pat, he is in such a good place but unfortunately it is part of football and something you have got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”
As Man United push towards the season’s decisive stretch, this injury update underlines how crucial squad management will be for Michael Carrick. With key fixtures approaching, timely recoveries could shape whether the club secures a top four finish.