“We’ve had some positive updates, and a few players are progressing faster than expected. There’s still work to do, but we’re hopeful of having key names back very soon.” — Michael Carrick has delivered a BIG injury update ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Leeds, offering a major boost in their push for a top-four finish
Michael Carrick has offered a mixed injury update ahead of Manchester United’s push to secure a top-four finish, with the squad in good form but still managing a number of fitness concerns in the background.
United head to Bournemouth on Friday night looking to claim their first away victory at the Vitality Stadium since May 2023. It’s a fixture that carries real weight, with the club sitting third in the Premier League and growing in confidence under their manager.
Carrick’s impact since taking the reins has been considerable. United have picked up 22 points from a possible 27 — the best return in the division over that stretch — and performances like the recent 3-1 win over Aston Villa have underlined their improvement in both creativity and defensive organisation.
**The injury picture**
Lisandro Martínez has been absent since early February with a calf problem, and his return cannot come soon enough. Carrick confirmed the Argentine is now significantly closer to full fitness, with an April return against Leeds appearing likely. His composure and aggressive defending are central to how United play out from the back, and his presence has been missed.
Noussair Mazraoui’s recent absence is rather more straightforward — the full-back sat out due to illness and could well be available for Friday’s trip to the south coast, which would be a welcome boost to the defensive unit.
The situation around Matthijs de Ligt is more concerning. Out since October with a persistent back complaint, what initially appeared to be a minor issue has evolved into a lengthy absence. Carrick acknowledged the frustration surrounding the case, and while an April return remains a possibility, there is still real uncertainty over how sharp de Ligt can be before the season ends.
Patrick Dorgu, injured in the win over Arsenal back in January, is edging towards a return and is reportedly slightly further along in his recovery than Martínez. A comeback in April appears feasible, though he is unlikely to be involved in the immediate fixtures.
**The bigger picture**
United’s transformation under Carrick has been built gradually — better structure, cleaner attacking patterns, and a quiet but growing belief within the dressing room. A five-point cushion over the clubs chasing them offers a degree of comfort, though the margins remain tight enough that dropped points could still prove costly.
The 4-4 draw with Bournemouth earlier this season is a useful reminder that this particular fixture can be unpredictable. Carrick will be keen for a more controlled, disciplined showing this time around.
If United can navigate the final weeks of the season without further injury setbacks, Champions League football feels well within reach — and could mark the start of something more sustained under Carrick’s management.
