Noussair Mazraoui
March 2026
Concern is growing that Mazraoui has picked up another injury after footage showed him leaving the stadium with a heavy limp, adding to United’s existing defensive absences. Mazraoui appeared in distress late on and was replaced, Malacia came on for a rare run-out, and United are already missing Matthijs de Ligt (back), Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring).
Matthijs de Ligt
February 2026
Carrick confirmed De Ligt’s back problem has been slow to progress, leaving him still out and without a clear comeback timeline. Carrick said the nature of the back issue makes timing hard to pin down, but insisted De Ligt is moving in the right direction and “definitely improving.”
Harry Maguire
February 2026
A report says Maguire is increasingly likely to sign a new deal after regaining form and minutes under Carrick, helped by De Ligt’s injury opening a route back into the starting side. United are said to be discussing a compromise on salary and contract length, with Maguire keen to stay. External interest is mentioned from Milan and Al-Qadsiah, meaning United may act quickly to avoid losing a senior centre-back for free.
Patrick Dorgu
January 2026
Carrick confirmed Dorgu will miss a period of time with a hamstring injury and will not be available this weekend; de Ligt also out, while Zirkzee returned to training. Initial hope was cramp, but assessments point to a more serious issue; Carrick said the club is still determining the timeline; United will adjust short term with Dorgu and de Ligt unavailable, and may have Zirkzee back in contention soon.
Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Benjamin Sesko, Amad Diallo
January 2026
Multiple Manchester United players publicly thanked Ruben Amorim after his sacking, led by Bruno Fernandes, with others also posting brief messages. Reports note some notable absences from the tributes. The social posts followed an abrupt end to Amorim’s tenure after disputes with leadership became public. The farewell messages suggest squad respect for the departing staff, even as the club moved quickly to reset.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United are braced for a difficult festive period after losing captain Bruno Fernandes to a soft tissue hamstring problem during the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, with Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and several AFCON-bound players already unavailable. Despite warning that United will “struggle”, Amorim insisted he will not beg for January reinforcements, saying the club must avoid panic buys, stick to their long-term recruitment plan and rely on youngsters and tactical flexibility to grind out results with a depleted squad.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim left Leny Yoro out of his starting eleven against West Ham and turned to Noussair Mazraoui, while giving Ayden Heaven his first start and omitting Matthijs de Ligt from the squad, insisting the decision on Yoro was a deliberate tactical call rather than punishment. After Yoro conceded a penalty at Crystal Palace and was visibly distraught on the bench, Amorim said the young defender overthinks mistakes and must handle setbacks better, praising Mason Mount’s support, stressing that Yoro remains fit and available, but that United urgently needed a different profile for a must win match.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
November 2025
Manchester United slumped to a 1-0 defeat against 10-man Everton, ending a five game unbeaten run and dropping to 10th in the Premier League. Despite a man advantage for over seventy minutes, United created few clear chances and never truly stretched the visitors. Everton lost Idrissa Gueye to a needless early red card and Seamus Coleman to injury, yet still struck first through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and then defended deep. De Ligt criticised United’s passive play, overreliance on crosses, lack of runs into the box and shortage of urgency in key moments.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
November 2025
United led through Bryan Mbeumo before Spurs flipped it via Mathys Tel and a Richarlison-assisted strike. Down to 10 after Benjamin Šeško’s injury with subs spent, United forced a stoppage-time equaliser when Matthijs de Ligt headed in at the back post. Spurs created pressure from wide areas—Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie key—while Senne Lammens kept United afloat with sharp saves. Spurs failed to kill the game after going ahead; United’s set-piece persistence earned parity in a frenetic finish that halted Spurs’ dominance.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
October 2025
De Ligt said he has a “good relationship” with Amorim and backed the manager’s direct style as United navigate a poor start marked by heavy defeats and a Carabao Cup shock. He framed scrutiny as normal at an elite club. United opened with three wins from eight across competitions, prompting external criticism despite public support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Amorim reiterated pressure is tied to the “next game,” with daily backing from Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox reinforcing internal alignment.
