Manchester United do not need complications right now, but that is exactly what they have got. Five Premier League points on the board, out of the Carabao Cup already, and now a growing injury list during the international break. For Michael Carrick, the timing is poor. Tottenham are next at Old Trafford, and United need bodies back, quickly.

This is where the season can tilt. Results have already been underwhelming, and when a side is short on confidence, absentees matter more. United are not dealing with one major concern, they are juggling several, across key areas of the pitch.

Marcus Rashford looks the least alarming case, though there is still some uncertainty. He picked up a minor issue late in the draw at Fulham, after landing awkwardly following a heavy challenge near the touchline. He then withdrew from England duty, which immediately raised concern given United’s current situation. Carrick said after the match, “We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I’m not sure [if he’s alright],” and that sums it up. There is no certainty, but there is optimism that he will be available for Tottenham on October 10.

Kobbie Mainoo’s withdrawal from the England squad created noise, but there is less concern here. No injury has been flagged, and the expectation is that this was load management rather than anything more serious. In plain terms, United are hoping he will be ready as soon as the squad reconvenes. Given his importance in midfield, that matters.

Patrick Dorgu is the fresh problem, and potentially the most serious immediate one. He started for Denmark against Wales, went down off the ball after half an hour, and left the pitch with what looked like a hamstring injury. That usually means caution, and often means time out. Until scans clarify the extent of the damage, United are waiting. There is no return date yet, and that is rarely a good sign.

Benjamin Sesko is another unresolved issue. He had appeared to be through the shin problem that disrupted the end of last season and the beginning of this one. Starting against Sabah suggested he was back in rhythm. Then he missed Fulham, and Carrick offered a clear if unhelpful update: “It was a pain in his shin. We’re not sure with him yet. He felt a bit of pain after the game. We’re assessing him. He definitely wasn’t ready for today.” Sesko then opted out of international duty, which tells you enough. Right now, his availability for Tottenham remains unclear.

There is better news elsewhere, or at least less bad news. Amad Diallo has yet to play this season after suffering an ankle injury in the summer, but he is understood to be edging closer. Before the break, Carrick suggested he was only weeks away. If there are no setbacks, Tottenham could be realistic.

Matthijs de Ligt has been out for a long time, close to a full year, after sustaining a back injury at Crystal Palace in November 2025. Surgery followed in May, and his road back has been slow. He travelled with the squad to west London recently despite not making the matchday group, which hints at progress. United are targeting the Tottenham fixture for his return too, though after such an absence, caution is obvious.