Manchester United injury update: Luke Shaw, Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt latest news and return dates

Manchester United do not have much time to dwell on their controversial defeat to rivals Manchester City, as they are in Carabao Cup action this week.

However, the Man Utd head coach has said his side have “got to get back to winning football matches” and the first opportunity to respond to the Man City defeat comes on Wednesday night when they host Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round.

Luke Shaw

The left-back also sat out the Champions League win over Sabah, but his issue isn’t thought to be serious and a return to action is possible before the international break.

"Close, very close, just not quite there,” Carrick told Sky Sports in an update before the Man City defeat. "It's very small but unfortunately not for today.”

Potential return date: September 16 vs Brighton (h) or September 20 vs Fulham (a)

Carlos Baleba

Baleba has yet to feature for United since that £70m switch from Brighton, having arrived carrying an ankle ligament injury that he suffered during the Seagulls’ pre-season friendly against Strasbourg at the start of August.

The Cameroon midfielder was expected to miss the first few weeks of the campaign, with Carrick previously stating that he hoped he would be in a position to make his debut before the international break.

“He's got a little ankle issue,” Carrick said of Baleba. “So, maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, we'll see. But we knew that before, so it's no major issue.

Carlos Baleba is still waiting for his Manchester United debut

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“It'll be great to have him back when we can. We're delighted with Carlos. I think huge potential, massive potential. I think it's a really exciting signing for us.”

Baleba seems unlikely to be involved against his former club in the Carabao Cup and some sort of involvement after the international break appears the best guess as things stand.

Potential return date: October 10 vs Tottenham (h)

Amad Diallo

Though Carrick has not placed a time frame on his return, there have been suggestions that the Ivory Coast winger could be out for up to six weeks, meaning he would not play until after the international break.

United return from that break with a home clash against Tottenham, before a trio of away games - including two in the Champions League - against Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como.

Potential return date: Unknown, potentially Saturday October 10, vs Tottenham (H)

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has been working his way towards a return after having back surgery in May, but there was concern when he did not take part in Wednesday's training session ahead of the Champions League clash against Sabah.

It was later reevaled the Dutchmasn was on a designated rest day, so no setback in his recovery.

"We have to see," said Carrick, about De Ligt's potential return. "It's positive. He's trained really well but we're still managing it, when you're out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you've got to manage that last stage.

Matthijs de Ligt has not played for Manchester United since November 2025

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“It's important to get that balance right to take the next step.

"But he's on a good track, in a good place and it's great to have him back around us. Hopefully, some time soon."

Potential return date: September 16 vs Brighton (h) or September 20 vs Fulham (a)

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte has not played a single minute for Man United this season after his World Cup earlier in the summer was cut short due suffering a ligament injury while representing Uruguay.

The midfielder was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in group phase and while Ugarte’s recovery period is still to be determined, he is not expected to return until 2027.

Potential return date: Unknown

Tom Heaton

United’s veteran third-choice goalkeeper suffered a hamstring injury after starting in a pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden on August 8.

He has not been involved since and updates have been few and far between.