Manchester United injury update: Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo latest news and return dates

Michael Carrick will return to Premier League action under considerable pressure and dealing with a growing injury crisis.

Manchester United have taken just five points from a possible 15 in the Premier League this season, and have also been dumped out of the Carabao Cup.

With a crunch fixture against struggling Tottenham looming immediately after the break, Carrick will hope to have as strong a squad at his disposal as possible.

With that said, here is all the latest Manchester United injury news and potential return dates...

Bruno Fernandes

PA

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes was the first casualty of the international break for United when he was hooked in Portugal’s Nations League meeting with Wales. He has played a role in every United match so far this season.

He was withdrawn in the 90th minute to be replaced by Joao Neves, but head coach Jorge Jesus gave a concerning assessment of his fitness at full-time.

He revealed Fernandes had come into the international break managing a “complicated” pre-existing injury: “The medical team identified these two players as the most concerning, Nuno Mendes could be available for the game.

“The other case [Fernandes] involves treatment and recovery time. He’s coming off an injury at United, and he told me he’s been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.

“It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales.”

He missed Portugal’s next match against Norway, but Jesus is optimistic he will be able to feature against Denmark in their third match of the international break. Should he miss that game, though, alarm bells will be ringing at Carrington.

Potential return date: October 1 vs Denmark (A)

Marcus Rashford

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Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford picked up a minor injury in the latter stages of United’s uninspiring draw at Craven Cottage ahead of the international break, and dropped out of England duty shortly thereafter.

He had landed awkwardly after a heavy tackle, which dumped him out of play, though he was OK to continue after receiving treatment.

"We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright],” said Carrick after the Fulham match.

It is hoped he will have shaken off that knock by the time Tottenham visit Old Trafford next month.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (H)

Kobbie Mainoo

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Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo sparked fitness concerns when he withdrew from England’s squad for this international break.

No clear reason has been given for his withdrawal, though, and he is not thought to be injured. His absence is likely down to load management.

As such, it is hoped he can feature as soon as United reconvene after the international break.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (H)

Patrick Dorgu

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Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu has suffered perhaps the most concerning injury of the international break so far.

He started for Denmark as they faced Wales, but went down off the ball with half an hour played and hobbled off.

He appeared to have suffered a hamstring problem which may sideline him for some time.

Potential return date: Unknown

Amad Diallo

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Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo is yet to feature for United this season after suffering an ankle injury in the summer.

Speaking before the international break, Carrick suggested he was a matter of weeks away from returning, and there is hope he can feature during the visit of Tottenham.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (H)

Benjamin Sesko

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Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko has unfortunately been struck down with a reaggravation of the shin injury which saw him miss the latter stages of last season and the early stages of this one.

He had seemed to be back at full fitness after starting against Sabah, but was a surprise absentee for the trip to Fulham.

Carrick confirmed: “It was a pain in his shin. We’re not sure with him yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game. We’re assessing him. He definitely wasn’t ready for today.”

He decided against representing Slovenia during the international break, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to represent United after it.

Potential return date: Unknown

Matthijs de Ligt

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Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt is rapidly approaching a full year on the sidelines with a back injury sustained at Crystal Palace in November 2025.

He seems to be approaching a return to the pitch after undergoing surgery in May. He travelled to Fulham with his team-mates despite not being named in the matchday squad, and will hope to be passed fit after a further three weeks of recovery.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (H)

Karl Darlow

Backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow was another victim of the international break, dropping out of the Wales squad citing injury.

The nature and severity of his injury is not clear.

Potential return date: Unknown

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte remains in recovery after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered representing Uruguay at the World Cup.

He is set to miss the vast majority of the season, but, after being transfer-listed last summer, it remains to be seen whether he will play for the club again.

Potential return date: Spring/summer 2027

Tom Heaton

United’s third-choice shot-stopper has been absent throughout this season with a hamstring injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain last month.