Injury worries loom for Carrick as United face City at Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a spate of injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford, kick‑off 4:30 pm BST, with defender Luke Shaw doubtful and midfielder Jeremy Doku the only confirmed absentee for City in the match.
Comments Sport Bruna Reis Senior Sports Journalist 07:00, 12 Sep 2026 View Image Man United will host Man City at Old Trafford. Man Utd will host Man City at Old Trafford.
Recent form sets the stage
United arrive after a 4‑0 Champions League demolition of Sabah and a 2‑2 Premier League draw at Everton, while City come in buoyant from a 2‑0 Europa League win over FC Porto and a narrow 1‑0 league victory at the Etihad.
Injury updates ahead of the derby
City expect Nico O’Reilly to be fully fit, leaving Jeremy Doku as the sole absentee on the bench.
Carrick confirmed that Luke Shaw was granted an extra recovery day on Thursday, saying, “We just gave him an extra recovery day today… each individual has different little things we manage, and Luke was one of them today.”
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Marcus Rashford returned to training on Wednesday and was an unused substitute in the win over Sabah, whereas Matthijs de Ligt remains out after back surgery in May, having not featured since late November. Amad, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton and Carlos Baleba also sit on the sidelines.
Carrick praised de Ligt’s recent training, stating, “It’s positive. Matta has trained really well… we’ve got to get that balance right. He’s on a good track, in a good place, and it’s great to have him back around us.”
Jeremy Doku has missed the first four fixtures after calf tightness in the Community Shield first half, with manager Pep Maresca confirming he still needs more days before returning.
Our focus remains on fielding a fit side for the MAN derby, despite the setbacks.