Manchester United find themselves facing a double injury setback just as a prolonged international break begins.
It has been a challenging opening to the campaign for the Red Devils, who have gathered a mere five points from their first five top-flight fixtures, leaving manager Michael Carrick feeling the heat early on.
Manchester United are clearly still searching for their rhythm after another frustrating away performance at Fulham last weekend—but is Carrick’s task about to become even more demanding?
Two Manchester United players sidelined with fitness issues
The FA has confirmed that five individuals have pulled out of Thomas Tuchel’s England selection for September’s Nations League matches—with a duo from United among them.
Kobbie Mainoo, in particular, will find this setback frustrating, especially after Tuchel hinted earlier in the month that the young midfielder would feature prominently in the upcoming international fixtures.
Despite earning a place as the sole Old Trafford representative at the 2026 World Cup following a stellar late-season run, Mainoo failed to make an appearance on the pitch—though Tuchel had promised to address that omission during this international window.
“I anticipate him getting some playing time,” the German tactician remarked when selecting the youngster, noting, “His performance throughout the World Cup was flawless; his conduct and work ethic in training were top-notch.”
Marcus Rashford, who spent the previous campaign on loan at Barcelona, was the only other Red Devils representative across the Atlantic, and he has likewise opted out of international duty this month.
After spending a year and a half away on loan, the 28-year-old has been brought back into Carrick’s plans this term, starting at Craven Cottage over the weekend in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who was not fit enough for the bench.
The Slovenian attacker was part of a growing casualty list that also featured Amad Diallo and Matthijs De Ligt.
According to reports by FourFourTwo, both Diallo and De Ligt are targeting a return when domestic football resumes next month, while the withdrawals of Rashford and Mainoo are believed to be merely precautionary.
Along with the United duo, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Tino Livramento have been sidelined for the upcoming Nations League clashes, prompting call-ups for Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner.
Once the Premier League action kicks off again in October, United will face a tough test against Tottenham Hotspur.
