Manchester United Injury Updates Before Hull Opener

Manchester United will launch their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a squad still patched together, but Michael Carrick insists the mood is upbeat and the treatment room is finally starting to empty.

The United head coach delivered encouraging updates on Benjamin Sesko, Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime trip to Hull City, even if at least one of that trio will definitely sit this one out.

Mount “touch-and-go”

Mount has been carefully handled through pre-season after picking up what Carrick described as a minor issue. United have chosen caution over risk.

“We are managing Mason a little bit, but he's very close, so it's touch-and-go for the weekend really, if not going into next week. There's no drama,” Carrick said. “It's maybe, it's been a week or so, 10 days or whatever it's been. So it's nothing major.”

Mount missed training earlier in the week and, despite only being out for a short spell, is expected to be left out of the matchday squad as United avoid gambling on his fitness on the opening day.

De Ligt back on the grass – but not in the squad

The sight of De Ligt working on the grass at Carrington has been one of the more welcome images of United’s summer. The defender has endured a lengthy lay-off and is still building back towards full sharpness.

“Matthijs has obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training, and it's great to have him back,” Carrick said. “Well, he won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction. So that's really a good bonus for us really at this stage.”

So the Dutchman will not feature at Hull, but his return to full training offers a timely boost as the season begins to stack up.

Sesko pushing for minutes

Up front, there is more immediate hope. Sesko, who also carried an issue from last season, has stepped back into full sessions and is edging towards competitive action.

“Ben is back training. So that's again another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well,” Carrick said.

Whether those minutes arrive at the MKM Stadium or later in August remains to be seen, but the Slovenian is now in contention rather than in the stands.

Darlow back, Ugarte and Heaton ruled out

New signing Karl Darlow has shaken off his own problem and is back in training. He could take a place on the bench as goalkeeping cover.

Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton, though, are set to miss out, adding to a double-figure injury tally when both squads are combined.

Hull also hit by absences

United are not the only side juggling absentees. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic is braced to be without eight players, including four of his new signings, for the visit of Carrick’s team.

Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Joe Gelhardt and Hidemasa Morita all carry issues into the opening weekend. Morita has at least returned to training and could be close to his first appearance, but his competitive debut looks more likely to come in the Carabao Cup next week.

So the new season starts as so many do: with managers talking up progress, medical teams working overtime, and key players hovering on the brink of a return. For Carrick and United, the question now is simple — who is ready to step in and set the tone for a long campaign on day one?