Man Utd lose Shaw and Mainoo for Atletico Madrid trip as De Ligt returns
Manchester United will face Atletico Madrid in Spain without Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo after both players failed to recover from problems sustained in the weekend draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Michael Carrick’s side travel to the Spanish capital with a growing injury list, although the return of Matthijs de Ligt provides a welcome defensive option for a European fixture that comes amid pressure following a slow domestic start.
United’s latest injury developments
- United let a late lead slip against Tottenham despite playing with an extra man, as Dominic Solanke’s stoppage-time header earned Spurs a draw.
- Shaw was substituted late in added time during that match, while Mainoo completed the game but suffered a separate knock.
- Neither England international made the trip to Madrid. Carrick said both had picked up issues on Saturday and were not sufficiently fit for the following day’s match.
- Patrick Dorgu is also expected to be absent for several weeks after coming off while on Denmark duty during the international break.
- Noussair Mazraoui returned from Morocco duty carrying a knock and remains short of full fitness.
- Manuel Ugarte continues his rehabilitation at Carrington following knee surgery, while Benjamin Sesko is being assessed for a shin complaint.
Sesko had recovered well from an earlier problem, but Carrick said the new issue is in a similar area without being identical. The manager added that United must respond carefully to the setback in an effort to return the striker as soon as possible.
De Ligt returns as Atletico report no fresh concerns
De Ligt has travelled with the squad after a lengthy spell working back towards match availability. Carrick said the club had taken a patient approach with the Netherlands defender and were pleased to have him involved again.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton has returned to training, while Amad Diallo has recently resumed playing. Academy player Dan Armer has also been included in the travelling group, giving the youngster a first taste of a major European away-day build-up.
Carrick said such trips are valuable for younger players, allowing them to experience the preparation and atmosphere around a first-team match. He also maintained that, despite the absentees, United still have sufficient depth.
Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone, go into the fixture without any reported new injury concerns. United, meanwhile, must assemble a side without several senior options as Carrick seeks a significant result in Madrid.
