Manchester United's injury crisis remains a significant concern for manager Michael Carrick as pressure mounts following a difficult start to the season. The club's problems were compounded by a shock Carabao Cup exit to Brighton at Old Trafford, a match in which United raced into a 2-0 lead inside ten minutes through a stunning debut goal from teenager Shea Lacey and a swift addition from Mason Mount, only to collapse and lose control of the tie thereafter.
With a demanding October schedule approaching that features fixtures against Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea, United will be desperate for their squad depth to improve heading into the trip to Fulham.
Luke Shaw remains a doubt for the visit to Craven Cottage after missing United's previous three fixtures with an unspecified injury. The defender had been tipped for a possible return against Brighton but was ultimately left out once again, having also sat out the Manchester derby and the Champions League victory over Sabah FK. Speaking before the Brighton match, Carrick offered a cautious update, saying: "Luke could [be available]. He could possibly be fit for Brighton, but we'll see. It's not clear-cut, but it's a matter of a few days rather than anything else." His potential return is now pencilled in for the Fulham fixture on September 20.
Amad Diallo continues to be sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in training ahead of United's season opener at Hull, a blow that ruled him out despite a strong World Cup campaign beforehand. Some reports have suggested his layoff could stretch to six weeks. Carrick's most recent comments on the winger, delivered before the Brighton defeat, were similarly guarded: "Amad is not quite close, in terms of days, you know. We'll see as the week progresses." The Ivorian is expected to miss the Fulham game as well, with his return more likely after the upcoming international break, potentially in time for the visit of Tottenham on October 10.
Carlos Baleba, United's £70million summer signing from Brighton, has yet to make his debut for the club after suffering ankle ligament damage during a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg in early August. Carrick had hoped the Cameroonian could feature before the international break, and Baleba has recently progressed to outdoor training at Carrington. However, a reunion with his old club in the Carabao Cup arrived too soon, and he will also miss out against Fulham. His first appearance in United colours is now expected against Tottenham on October 10.
Matthijs de Ligt's absence continues to stretch back to November 2025, when he aggravated a lower back problem in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace. What was initially described as a minor issue by then-manager Ruben Amorim ultimately required surgery in May, causing the Dutch centre-back to miss the World Cup as well. De Ligt has been building up his fitness in training, but a first-team return against Fulham is considered highly unlikely. Carrick will instead be hoping the extended international break gives De Ligt the additional time needed before he can be considered for selection, with Tottenham on October 10 the target date.
Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee after suffering a torn ACL while playing for Uruguay against Spain at the World Cup in June. The midfielder underwent surgery and faces a recovery period estimated at nine to twelve months, meaning it is uncertain whether he will feature for United at all this season. He had reportedly been close to leaving the club in the summer transfer window before the injury occurred.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton, United's third-choice option behind Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow, is also out with a hamstring injury sustained during last month's high-profile pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden. No timeline has been given for his return.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).