Manchester United have been dealt another painful setback just hours before their crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, as fresh injury concerns continue to pile pressure on Michael Carrick’s squad ahead of the early kick-off at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils welcome Spurs on Saturday afternoon (12:30 p.m.) looking to extend their flawless start under interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Since taking charge, the former United midfielder has overseen three consecutive victories, lifting morale around the club and reigniting belief that Champions League qualification is a realistic target this season.
United currently sit fourth in the table, narrowly ahead of Chelsea, and another positive result would further strengthen their grip on a top-four place.
However, Carrick’s preparations have been overshadowed by discouraging news from the medical department. Speaking ahead of the match, the United boss confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt will once again be unavailable.
The Dutch centre-back has already missed the last 12 matches in all competitions after suffering a persistent back problem, and the Tottenham fixture has come too soon for his return.
Carrick offered a cautiously optimistic update, explaining that De Ligt is making progress but is not yet ready to be risked.
He emphasized that while the defender is improving steadily and taking positive steps in recovery, the medical team believes more time is needed before he can rejoin the squad.
United remain hopeful that his absence will not extend much further, but his continued unavailability is a significant blow, particularly in such a high-profile encounter.
There are also lingering doubts surrounding Mason Mount. The midfielder was forced to miss United’s recent victory over Fulham after picking up an injury during training, and his involvement against Tottenham remains uncertain.
Carrick suggested Mount is closer to a return than De Ligt and hinted that his recovery is progressing well, but stopped short of confirming whether he will be fit enough to feature. Even if available, his condition may restrict him to a limited role.
Adding to United’s concerns is the confirmed absence of Patrick Dorgu. The full-back sustained a hamstring injury during the dramatic win over Arsenal and has already been ruled out for several weeks.
Since Carrick’s appointment, Dorgu had emerged as one of United’s standout performers, and his enforced spell on the sidelines represents another frustrating setback at a critical stage of the season.
Tottenham, meanwhile, arrive at Old Trafford in inconsistent form but buoyed by a spirited comeback in their last outing.
Spurs recovered from a two-goal deficit at half-time to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, showing resilience despite their struggles in the league. Currently sitting 14th, Thomas Frank’s side will be desperate to build momentum.
However, Spurs are also battling a severe injury crisis. Dominic Solanke’s fitness remains in question after the striker was substituted against City with an ankle issue, though he has since played down the severity of the knock.
Even so, Tottenham are already without a host of key players, including Pedro Porro, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Ben Davies, and Kevin Danso.
There is at least some positive news for the visitors, with Frank confirming that central defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are fit and available. Full-back Djed Spence could also return to contention, offering Spurs a timely boost at the back.
As kickoff approaches, both teams face significant selection challenges, but United’s growing injury list has cast a shadow over what was shaping up to be another defining test of Carrick’s early reign.
