Manchester United Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Atletico Madrid Trip 2026

Key Points

• Manchester United take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
• According to Michael Carrick, head coach of Manchester United, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo will miss the game due to injuries sustained in Saturday’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur.
• As per Goal, six first-team players will miss the game for Manchester United: Shaw, Mainoo, Benjamin Sesko, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte.
• According to reports, Dorgu will be out of action for weeks owing to the hamstring injury he picked up while playing international football for Denmark.
• Mazraoui will also miss the game due to a knock sustained during his appearance for the Moroccan national team.
• Sesko has a shin injury, whereas Ugarte is working hard to recover after knee surgery at Carrington.
• Matthijs de Ligt has been traveling to Madrid and is fit for selection after being away from the game for nine months due to a back injury.
• Tom Heaton has resumed training, while Amad played in the game against Tottenham.

FC United of Manchester (Manchester Mirror) October 13, 2026 – It has deepened before their Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid, with head coach Michael Carrick confirming that Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo will not travel to Spain after both sustained problems in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

What Injuries Have Ruled Out Shaw and Mainoo?

Carrick confirmed the double absence at his pre-match press conference in Madrid on Monday. As reported by the BBC, he said:

“They’ve not travelled, they both picked up issues in the game on Saturday, and we were working through that, to see what that looks like. At the moment, they are not ready for the game tomorrow.”

Shaw started United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford but was replaced in stoppage time by Ayden Heaven. As reported by The False Nine, Shaw was seen limping as he left the stadium, while Mainoo completed the full 90 minutes against Spurs before missing Monday’s training session at Carrington.

Neither Carrick nor Manchester United has specified the exact nature of either injury. The club has only confirmed that both players picked up physical issues during the Tottenham match and were not fit to make the journey to the Spanish capital.

How Many Manchester United Players Are Missing?

Manchester United’s absentee list now includes six senior players, according to Goal and the Mirror. Alongside Shaw and Mainoo, Carrick will be without Benjamin Sesko, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte.

As reported by the Mirror, Sesko, Mazraoui and Dorgu did not take part in Monday’s session, while Ugarte remains at Carrington as he continues to rehabilitate from knee surgery.

The situation is particularly difficult at left-back. Shaw is unavailable, Dorgu is sidelined with a hamstring problem and Mazraoui, who has previously operated on the left side of defence, is also out. As reported by Yahoo Sport, this leaves Carrick with a major selection dilemma in defence.

Why Is Patrick Dorgu Sidelined?

Dorgu’s absence is expected to be one of the longer-term concerns for United. As reported by Goal, the Denmark international suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty and is expected to be out for several weeks.

Carrick addressed the issue during his press conference. As quoted by the Mirror, he said:

“Patrick came off, and it looks like he will be out for a number of weeks.”

The head coach added that United were still assessing the full extent of the problem:

“And we’re still working through it a little bit to see how long the issue will be.”

What Is the Latest on Benjamin Sesko?

Sesko’s shin problem continues to keep him out of contention. As reported by Goal, the striker suffered a fresh flare-up of a shin issue similar to the one that ruled him out of the final three matches of last season and the whole of pre-season.

Carrick had already confirmed last week that Sesko would miss the Tottenham fixture. The Slovenian forward was also not seen in training on Monday, and he has not featured against Fulham or Spurs.

As reported by the Mirror, Carrick said of the issue: “We’re hoping it will be soon, obviously, but at this moment it’s still not quite clear.” The club has not given a return date for the striker.

Is There Any Positive Team News for United?

There is one significant boost for Carrick: Matthijs de Ligt has travelled with the squad and is available for selection. As reported by the BBC, Carrick confirmed that the Dutch defender had made the trip to Madrid.

De Ligt has not played competitive football for more than 11 months after suffering a back injury against Crystal Palace last season. As reported by Yahoo Sport, his return to the travelling squad represents a major step in his recovery after close to a year out.

Tom Heaton has also returned to training, while Amad came back into action against Tottenham. However, as the Mirror reported, those returns have come at the same time as further injury problems elsewhere in the squad.

What Did Carrick Say About Bruno Fernandes?

Carrick also provided an update on captain Bruno Fernandes, who has been managing an injury during the early part of the season. As reported by Metro, the United head coach said Fernandes had been “carrying an injury” but suggested the issue was no longer a major concern.

“He is pretty much over it, but right now it’s not a major deal and he’s looking forward to the game,” Carrick said, according to Metro.

Fernandes is therefore expected to be involved against Atletico, providing some experience in a squad that is short of senior options in several positions.

How Does United’s Form Compare With Atletico’s?

United travel to Madrid under pressure. As reported by Sky Sports, Carrick’s side are winless in five of their last six matches after conceding a late equaliser against 10-man Tottenham on Saturday.

The Mirror reported that Atletico Madrid appear to have a clean bill of health ahead of the fixture, giving Diego Simeone’s side a potential advantage in squad availability. United, by contrast, must adapt their plans across defence, midfield and attack.

The match is part of a demanding week for Carrick’s team. Sky Sports noted that United face Atletico in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to face Leeds United, who lost their unbeaten league record to reigning champions Arsenal at the weekend.

Background of the Development

Manchester United’s current injury problems have built up across international duty, league fixtures and longer-term rehabilitation. Dorgu picked up his hamstring injury while representing Denmark, while Mazraoui returned from Morocco’s camp with a knock that kept him out of the Tottenham match.

Shaw and Mainoo’s injuries both occurred during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, compounding a squad shortage that had already affected United’s defensive and attacking options. Sesko’s shin issue has persisted since before the campaign’s early fixtures, while Ugarte remains in the rehabilitation phase after knee surgery.

De Ligt’s return offers United a timely defensive option. The Dutch centre-back had been out since suffering a back injury against Crystal Palace last October, and his availability gives Carrick at least one experienced player returning at a difficult moment.

Prediction: How Could This Affect Manchester United Fans?

For Manchester United supporters, the immediate effect is likely to be greater uncertainty over the team’s balance against one of European football’s most physically demanding opponents. With Shaw, Dorgu and Mazraoui unavailable, Carrick may need to use an unconventional left-back solution or adjust his defensive structure.

The absence of Mainoo could also limit United’s control in midfield, particularly away from home against an Atletico side known for its intensity. Sesko’s continued absence reduces Carrick’s attacking alternatives, while Ugarte’s recovery leaves the midfield short of another senior option.

De Ligt’s return may soften the defensive blow, but fans should expect a difficult evening in Madrid. With United winless in five of their last six matches and facing Leeds away afterwards, the next week could have a major bearing on Carrick’s early tenure and United’s Champions League campaign.