Manchester United injury update: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo latest news and return dates
Michael Carrick will be praying that his Manchester United players come out of the international break unharmed after a number of injury scares.
United have taken just five points in the Premier League this season, and have also been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
The situation facing the Red Devils has turned from bad to worse since the international window began, with five players added to the injury list.
With a big encounter against struggling Tottenham looming immediately after the break, Carrick will need his stars fit and firing to get United up the table.
Fernandes was the first concern of the break for United when he was substituted in Portugal’s Nations League win over Wales. He has played in every United match so far this season.
He was replaced in the 90th minute, but head coach Jorge Jesus gave a concerning assessment of his fitness at full time.
He revealed Fernandes had come into the international break managing a “complicated” pre-existing injury: “The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game.
“The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.
“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”
He did not feature in the next match against Norway, but did start and play most of Thursday’s 4-2 win over Denmark, providing two assists as the new captain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s shock exit from the squad.
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Rashford picked up a minor injury in the latter stages of United’s draw at Fulham ahead of the international break, and dropped out of England duty before the Three Lions’ camp.
He had landed awkwardly after a heavy tackle tight to the touchline
"We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright],” said Carrick at Craven Cottage.
It is hoped he will have shaken off that knock by the time Tottenham visit Old Trafford next month.
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Mainoo sparked worries when he withdrew from England’s squad for this international break.
No clear reason was given for his withdrawal, though, and he is not thought to be injured. His absence is likely down to load management.
As such, it is hoped he can feature as soon as United reconvene after the international break.
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Dorgu is the most pressing and most recent concern for Carrick.
He started for Denmark as they faced Wales, but went down off the ball with half an hour played and hobbled off.
He appeared to have suffered a hamstring problem which could sideline him for some time.
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Amad is yet to feature for his club this season after suffering an ankle injury in the summer.
Ahead the international break, Carrick suggested he was a matter of weeks away from returning, and there is hope he can feature against Spurs.
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Sesko has been struck down with a flare-up of the shin injury which saw him miss the latter stages of last season and the opening of the new campaign.
He had seemed to be back at full fitness after starting against Sabah, but was a surprise absentee for the trip to Fulham.
Carrick said of the Slovenian: “It was a pain in his shin. We’re not sure with him yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game. We’re assessing him. He definitely wasn’t ready for today.”
He decided against representing his country during the international break, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play for United after it.
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Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt is approaching a full year on the sidelines with a back injury sustained at Crystal Palace in November 2025.
He underwent surgery in May. He travelled to west London with his team-mates despite not being named in the matchday squad, and will hope to be passed fit after a further three weeks of recovery.
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Backup goalkeeper Darlow was another victim of the international break, dropping out of the Wales squad with an injury.
The nature and severity of his issue is not clear.
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Ugarte remains in recovery after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered representing Uruguay at the World Cup.
He is set to miss the vast majority of the season, but, after being transfer-listed last summer, it remains to be seen whether he will play for the club again.
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United’s third-choice shot-stopper has been absent throughout this season with a hamstring injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
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