Manchester United Injury Update: Mazraoui Nears Return for Leeds Trip

Manchester United need bodies back. That is the simple truth ahead of the trip to Elland Road. Michael Carrick has gone five matches without a win in all competitions, the defence has been patched together, and the margin for error is shrinking.

There is, at least, one positive. Noussair Mazraoui could return to the squad for the Leeds game after missing the 1-1 draw with Tottenham and the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid. The Morocco international had been sidelined since picking up an injury on international duty against Lesotho, and his return would give United an experienced option at a time when they badly need one.

Carrick said: “Yeah, it’s a little bit stronger,” when discussing the group available to him for Sunday. He added, “Hopefully, we’ve got Nous back involved with us.

“He’s done a little bit of training, so he’ll be back around the group, which is a good step in the right direction for us.”

Mazraoui return eases Manchester United pressure

This is not about one player transforming everything overnight. It is about having basic depth again. With Luke Shaw unavailable in midweek, United had to pull youngster Daniel Armer into the matchday squad to help cover the defensive shortage. That tells you where things stand.

Mazraoui’s possible return gives Carrick flexibility, especially against a Leeds side that will test recovery runs, discipline and one-on-one defending. United have looked stretched, and when a team is short of confidence, small improvements in selection matter.

Matthijs de Ligt still being handled carefully

Matthijs de Ligt is further behind. He could be an option in central defence with Lisandro Martinez back in the squad after apologising for his recent outburst aimed at the club’s board, but Carrick has made it clear the Dutch defender is not being rushed.

De Ligt has not played for United in almost a year. That is a long absence for any centre-back, never mind one expected to slot into a side under pressure. Carrick said: “Every training session and every day and every kind of week that goes by, being back around the group, being on the bench again,” and then added, “[He was] back on the bench the other night, I think it was a good step for him and just a little bit of patience, a little bit of working our way through it and getting him up to speed.

I think it was a good step for him and just a little bit of patience, a little bit of working our way through it and getting him up to speed”

He also said: “It’s great to have him around. He’s obviously a lot happier when being back around the group.

“He’s had a tough few months that he’s had to work through, and credit to him for that, for being in the place that he is now.

“So yeah, we’re delighted to have him back involved.”

Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo remain unclear

There is less certainty around Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo. Carrick’s update was effectively a shrug, a “we’ll see” assessment rather than anything more concrete. That usually tells you enough.