Manchester United Faces Injury Crisis Ahead of Ipswich Clash
Manchester United’s search for a first win of the season will have to be launched without at least nine senior players, as Michael Carrick juggles a stretched squad for Ipswich Town’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.
United opened the campaign with a flat 2-0 defeat at Hull, a performance that sharpened the mood around Carrick’s young side. The response now has to come at home, under pressure, and without a long list of absentees.
New £70m signing forced to wait
The headline arrival of the week, Carlos Baleba, will not be part of the rescue act.
United completed a £70million deal with Brighton for the midfielder, but an ankle problem picked up in pre-season means supporters must wait to see him in red. Carrick made it clear the issue was known before the transfer was finalised and is not serious, but the 20-year-old is expected to be out for “maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks.”
For a team that looked light in midfield control at Hull, his absence is a significant early frustration.
Amad and Mount on different timelines
In attack, Carrick is again without Amad. The £37m signing from 2021 is still recovering from a minor injury suffered in training and also missed the defeat at the MKM Stadium.
“Amad won't be involved, he'll be out for a little bit longer,” Carrick confirmed, ruling out any late surprise.
There is better news with Mason Mount. The midfielder will not feature against Ipswich but has stepped back towards contention.
“Mase is back around the group, he trained this week, so a real positive,” Carrick said, hinting that Mount is closing in on a return that could reshape United’s attacking patterns in the coming weeks.
De Ligt edging back, Heaton still out
At the back, Matthijs De Ligt remains unavailable but no longer feels like a distant hope. The Dutch defender has endured a lengthy lay-off, yet has rejoined training and is building fitness.
“Matta's obviously been out for a long period of time. But he's training and it's great to have him back. He won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction, so that's a good bonus for us really, at this stage, to have him back,” Carrick said.
Tom Heaton, who would have been among the substitutes, also misses out. The experienced goalkeeper was injured during the pre-season friendly against PSG, and Carrick has not put a date on his return.
With so many senior figures missing, the bench again looks likely to be patched together with youth and fringe players.
Ipswich also hit by injuries
Ipswich arrive with problems of their own, even after opening their season with a win over Sunderland.
Jaden Philogene, absent for that victory, remains out with an ankle injury. Florentino Luis, who missed the Sunderland game with a calf issue, is also ruled out again. Azor Matusiwa, sidelined last week by a thigh problem, will not travel either.
Four players out, away at Old Trafford, against a wounded giant. On paper, it looks daunting.
But United are the side under scrutiny. A bruising opening day, a new £70m signing watching from the stands, and key names still confined to the treatment room. Carrick has to find a way to win with what he has.
If he doesn’t, the noise around this season will grow a lot louder, a lot earlier than anyone at Old Trafford planned.
