Michael Carrick has a football problem and a medical problem, and both landed at the same time. United have failed to win any of their last eight games and are enduring their worst league start in 40 years, and the latest Man Utd injury news makes the trip to Chelsea even harder. Here is the full picture.
Benjamin Sesko injury: out until the new year
This is the big blow. Sesko has been struggling with a shin injury for months and is now expected to be out until the new year. Standard Sport reports it will be January at the earliest. United have scrapped for goals all season, and losing a striker is the last thing a struggling attack needs.
Marcus Rashford injury: still not back
Rashford is the missing spark. He has missed United’s last two games with a hip problem he has been managing since the World Cup. He has been back in the gym this week, but Chelsea looks too early for him. Estimates shifted during the week, with one tracker putting his chances at 75 percent, so check the team sheet.
Kobbie Mainoo update: back in training
Here is the good news. Carrick said Mainoo will be available for the trip to west London. He also admitted the midfielder had only done a little training this week. Think of Mainoo as United’s engine room restarting after a long layoff. He might come off the bench, and he might not last 90 minutes.
Who else is missing for Man Utd?
The treatment room is crowded.
- Luke Shaw: described only as a knock, he is expected to miss longer than Mainoo, with a possible return in November.
- Patrick Dorgu: also expected to miss the Chelsea game.
- Manuel Ugarte: out until 2027.
Up to 13 players across both clubs could be absent, six of them from United.
Why the injuries matter so much
United sit 16th with seven points. Carrick survived talks among the club hierarchy this week and stays in charge for Chelsea. He needs results fast, and the squad he wants is not the squad he has.
There is one small mercy. Chelsea have problems too. Maxence Lacroix and Jorrel Hato have joined their list of absentees. Bruno Fernandes should also return to the starting line-up after being an unused substitute last weekend.
What happens next for United?
Expect squad rotation, a few youngsters thrown into the deep end and loud transfer chatter. Headlines are already linking United with a new striker after the Sesko blow. January suddenly looks very busy at Old Trafford.
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