Manchester United Injury Boost Before Man City Derby as Michael Carrick Receives Amad Diallo Update

Michael Carrick has been encouraged by the return to fitness of Mason Mount, while Luke Shaw also overcame fitness concerns to start against Everton at the weekend.

However, United have several other injury questions to resolve before a crucial run of fixtures, with Marcus Rashford now a doubt after being substituted during Saturday's draw.

New signing Carlos Baleba is also still waiting for his Manchester United debut, while Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Here is the latest Manchester United injury news and potential return dates.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford's impressive Manchester United revival continued against Everton as he caused problems for Merlin Röhl before being withdrawn after 70 minutes.

His substitution came as a surprise given his influence on the game, but Carrick subsequently revealed that the forward had been feeling a problem.

"Yeah, he was feeling a bit of something," Carrick said.

That leaves Rashford's availability for United's return to Champions League action in doubt.

Potential return date: September 10 vs Sabah (H)

Carlos Baleba

United's £70 million summer signing is still waiting to make his competitive debut after arriving at Old Trafford with a minor ankle problem.

Carrick previously confirmed that Baleba could require around two or three weeks to recover, although the injury was not considered serious.

"He's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, but we'll see," Carrick said.

"But we knew that before, so it's no major issue."

Baleba could potentially return before the next international break, but United may decide there is little reason to rush the midfielder into action.

A home meeting with Tottenham in October could therefore be a more realistic target for his first appearance.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (H)

Amad Diallo

Amad remains one of the biggest potential boosts for United ahead of the derby.

The Ivorian has missed the opening three games of the season after suffering a muscle injury in training, but he is now pushing to return to action.

The Champions League meeting with Sabah is expected to come too soon, but the derby against City could provide Amad with a much bigger target.

His return would give Carrick another attacking option for one of the biggest matches of the season.

Potential return date: September 13 vs Manchester City (H)

Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt is also moving closer to a return after a long absence.

The defender has not played competitive football since November because of a lower-back injury that eventually required surgery.

He returned to first-team training last month and is now working towards regaining the match fitness required after around 10 months away.

Carrick has been encouraged by his progress.

"[De Ligt]'s obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training and great to have him back," Carrick said.

"He's in good shape and moving in a good direction. So that's really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back."

The Dutchman could return during September, although United will need to manage his comeback carefully.

Potential return date: September 2026

Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte faces a much longer road back.

The midfielder is currently undergoing rehabilitation after surgery for a knee ligament tear suffered during the World Cup.

The injury is expected to keep him out for a significant period and could potentially rule him out for the entire season.

Potential return date: Spring/Summer 2027

Mason Mount and Luke Shaw provide encouragement

There are positives within the injury picture.

Mount has returned to fitness and is available to Carrick, while Shaw's ability to start against Everton after his own fitness concerns provides another boost.

The potential return of Amad would add further competition and attacking quality ahead of the derby, although United will need to assess Rashford's condition before deciding whether he can feature in the coming fixtures.

What happens next?

United's immediate focus will be on the Champions League meeting with Sabah before attention turns to Sunday's Manchester derby.

Amad's progress will be closely watched, with the City fixture emerging as his potential return target.

Rashford's situation is less certain after his Everton withdrawal, while Baleba remains on course for a later debut.

With De Ligt continuing his rehabilitation and Ugarte facing a lengthy absence, Carrick will have to balance short-term derby ambitions with the longer-term fitness of his squad.