Manchester United head into Saturday’s highly-anticipated derby clash against local rivals Manchester City with a relatively thin list of injury absentees as revealed by new head coach Michael Carrick in his latest Manchester United injury news update.
Carrick will take charge of his first game since his appointment by the Red Devils and the former England international will be boosted by a nearly full complement of personnel as he looks to kick-start his short-term reign with a morale-boosting win against their city rivals.
Addressing reporters at his pre-match press conference, Carrick provided an update on injured Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, revealing that the former Ajax sensation is ruled out for the upcoming game with a back injury.
De Ligt has not featured for Manchester United since suffering the injury during the Red Devils’ Premier League victory over Crystal Palace towards the end of November 2025.
Prior to that setback, the Netherlands international had established himself as one of former head coach Ruben Amorim’s most trusted soldiers at the heart of defense and featured in every minute of the Premier League until he was unavailable.
In his absence, the likes of Lisandro Martinez, who only recently returned from his own lengthy spell on the sidelines, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw have alternated at center-back for United.
Ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Old Trafford, the Red Devils will now be boosted by the availability of Harry Maguire who made his comeback from the treatment room as a late substitute in that disappointing FA Cup defeat to Brighton last weekend.
In the middle of the park, Manchester United are at full capacity. Carrick will have the full complement of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount to pick from.
Academy graduate Toby Collyer has been recalled from his loan spell at EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion but is not in contention as he undergoes treatment on a calf injury.
Upfront, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are expected to be joined by Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo after both players returned from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the week.
Mbeumo and Amad were key contributors in attack before departing for the AFCON in December and Carrick will be delighted to have both players at his disposal for the Manchester City clash.
