Michael Carrick battles a mounting injury crisis as the Reds seek to salvage their season at Craven Cottage, with key defensive stars facing late fitness tests.
Manchester United are hoping to put their troubles behind them as they prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Carrick's season has seen United off to a fairly disastrous start, picking up just four points from their opening four Premier League games. Losses in the league against Hull and Manchester City, as well as a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton, have stung.
The Brighton tie has cast a particular cloud over Old Trafford, as the side was 2-0 up within 10 minutes but later capitulated, losing 3-2 after some appalling football on display.
At the same time, Fulham have collected just one point in their opening four games – a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Anfield – although a recent 3-2 win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup has lifted spirits.
The fixture is one both teams feel they have a shot at winning, although both sides will also be haunted by the possibility of losing yet another fixture this season and derailing their ambitions for the coming campaign.
Below is all the latest on United's injured players and their possible return dates ahead of an important clash for the Reds.
Luke Shaw
What happened: Luke Shaw has missed United's last three fixtures through an unspecified injury.
What's been said: Speaking about Shaw and Baleba's returns on Friday afternoon, Carrick said, "A chance on both of them. Not totally 100% on either. It is really short-term [with Shaw], but it is just working towards the game."
Possible return date: Sunday, 20 September vs Fulham (A).
Patrick Dorgu
What happened: Dorgu was not in the squad that lost against Brighton, having played at left-back against Sabah and Man City.
What's been said: Reports at the time stated that Dorgu was being given a rest by Carrick.
Possible return date: Sunday, 20 September vs Fulham (A).
Carlos Baleba
What happened: Baleba sustained an injury in pre-season with Brighton before signing for United, and has been on an individual training programme ever since.
What's been said: "There's a kind of a chance, really. Not totally 100% yet, but there's half a chance," Carrick said about Baleba's possible return.
Possible return date: Sunday, 20 September vs Fulham (A).
Amad
What happened: After playing well in pre-season, Amad has missed all three fixtures in the league so far due to an injury sustained in training.
What's been said: Roundtable reported last month that initial tests showed Amad could be out for up to six weeks.
Possible return date: Saturday, 10 October vs Tottenham Hotspur.
Matthijs de Ligt
What happened: Matthijs de Ligt suffered a back injury in November 2025 and has not played since. He underwent a back operation toward the end of last season.
What's been said: The Dutch defender has been seen in training with the first-team squad, although it is only the early stages of his rehabilitation.
Potential return date: Late October.
Manuel Ugarte
What happened: Manuel Ugarte suffered an ACL injury while at the World Cup with Uruguay, and has started his rehabilitation after undergoing surgary.
What's been said: Reports suggested at the time that his injury recovery could last around nine months, although the timeline will depend heavily on how well his rehabilitation goes.
Expected return date: N/A
