Oct 12, 2026 12:02 PM

Michael Carrick faces a selection crisis in Spain as key stars miss training, leaving the Red Devils depleted for their crucial European clash against Diego Simeone's inform side.

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Manchester United return to European action on Tuesday evening as Michael Carrick's side travel to the Metropolitano Stadium to face Atlético Madrid.

The Reds have won just one of their opening six Premier League fixtures this season, beating Ipswich Town 5-2 in August, and currently sit a disappointing 13th in the table. Their latest result, a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, has done little to ease the growing concerns surrounding the club.

United have enjoyed greater success in Europe; however, they sit fourth in the Champions League table after the opening gameweek, following a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah FK. Carrick will hope his side can replicate that performance in Spain and build much-needed momentum.

Atlético Madrid will face a stern test after an impressive start to their La Liga campaign. Diego Simeone's side sit second with 19 points from eight matches and have won their last four games in all competitions, including a notable 2-1 victory over local rivals Real Madrid before the international break.

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Below is all the latest on United's injured players ahead of the fixture.

Benjamin Šeško

What happened: After scoring two goals in the opening few fixtures of the campaign, Benjamin Šeško suffered a fresh flair up of the shin problem that saw him miss pre-season. He has not featured against Fulham or Spurs.

What's been said: Carrick confirmed last week that Šeško would not be available to face Tottenham, and the striker was not seen in training on Monday.

Possible return date: N/A

Kobbie Mainoo

What happened: Kobbie Mainoo was not seen at United's opening training session on Monday, as the club opened its doors to TV cameras and journalists.

What's been said: Reports say United will decide on Mainoo's availability on Monday afternoon, but the club will not report the travelling squad.

Possible return date: Tuesday 13 October vs Atletico Madrid (A).

Luke Shaw

What happened: Like Mainoo, Luke Shaw was not part of the Monday morning training group.

What's been said: Just like Mainoo, United are expected to make a final call on Shaw's availability on Monday afternoon before the flight to Madrid, but will not publicise the decision.

Possible return date: Tuesday 13 October vs Atletico Madrid (A).

Patrick Dorgu

What happened: Patrick Dorgu suffered an injury while on international duty for Denmark against Wales, and was not part of the squad that drew with Tottenham.

What's been said: "Patrick came off [for Denmark against Wales] and looks like he'll be out for a number of weeks," the United boss admitted on Friday afternoon.

Possible return date: Mid-November.

Noussair Mazraoui

What happened: Noussair Mazraoui suffered an injury while playing for Morocco earlier this month and missed the Spurs fixture.

What's been said: 

Possible return date: N/A

Matthijs de Ligt

What happened: Matthijs de Ligt has not played competitive football in over 11 months after suffering a back injury in October last season.

What's been said: The centre-back is in the final stages of his rehabilitation and is expected to return to action in the coming weeks, although United are said to be very cautious.

Possible 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 at the time suggested his recovery from the injury could take around nine months, though the timeline will depend heavily on how well his rehabilitation goes.

Expected return date: Early 2027.

Tom Heaton

What happened: Tom Heaton has been absent since picking up a hamstring injury while facing Paris Saint-Germain in a pre-season friendly in August.

What's been said: There has been no update on his condition since.

Possible return date: N/A

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