Manchester United Injury Update Ahead of Tottenham Clash at Old Trafford

Manchester United head into the weekend with a familiar problem, injuries everywhere and very few certainties. Before Tottenham arrive at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick is still waiting on Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, while Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko look set for longer absences.

That is the state of it. Rashford pulled out of England duty after picking up a minor issue against Fulham. Mainoo also withdrew, with workload management the priority. Neither is ruled in, neither is guaranteed. Carrick said both have done “a little bit” of training, which tells you plenty and not enough.

Amad Diallo falls into the same category. He is back doing some work, though that does not automatically mean he starts. More encouraging for United is the position of Carlos Baleba. The summer arrival has been working his way back from injury and now appears close to making his debut.

Michael Carrick faces depleted Manchester United squad

United could be missing as many as nine senior players, which is a serious issue even against a Tottenham side arriving under pressure. Dorgu is expected to be absent for weeks after a hamstring injury suffered while away with Denmark. Carrick was clear on that point.

“It’s been a long time since we sat here last,” he said as he previewed the Tottenham clash.

He added, “Patrick (Dorgu) came off and looks like he’ll be out for a number of weeks. Nouss (Mazraoui) came off and took a knock. He’s not quite right, so we’ll see how he is.

“Carlos (Baleba) is improving, has trained a lot, Amad (Diallo), Kobbie (Mainoo) and Marcus (Rashford) have done a little bit of training. Ben (Sesko) is further away with the injury he has, so he won’t be ready.”

Rashford and Mainoo key to Tottenham test

Sesko’s shin problem is another blow, particularly with United short of attacking options. Matthijs de Ligt also remains a doubt as he recovers from a back injury. Tom Heaton and Karl Darlow are carrying issues as well.

So this is where United stand. Rashford and Mainoo may yet be available, Baleba is pushing forward, Sesko is out, Dorgu is out, and Carrick still has a selection problem to solve before Tottenham arrive.