Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has offered fresh insight into the prolonged absence of Matthijs de Ligt, while also revealing that Mason Mount is edging closer to a return ahead of a crucial run-in.
United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, aiming to secure a fourth consecutive home victory as they continue their push for a top-four Premier League finish.
De Ligt’s Recovery Taking Longer Than Expected
De Ligt has not featured since United’s 2-1 victory away at Crystal Palace at the end of November. At the time, then-manager Ruben Amorim described the issue as minor and suggested the defender could return for the following fixture against Wolves in early December.
That initial timeline proved overly optimistic, as the Dutch centre-back has yet to make a matchday squad in the months since. His continued absence has raised questions about the severity of the injury and when supporters can expect to see him back in action.
Addressing the situation, Carrick explained that De Ligt has been dealing with a back problem that has progressed more slowly than anticipated. He stated that while the player is moving in the right direction, the nature of the injury makes it difficult to set a definitive timeframe for his comeback. The coach stressed that improvement is evident, but patience remains necessary.
Mount Closing in on Comeback
De Ligt is currently one of four first-team players sidelined, alongside Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Patrick Dorgu. However, Carrick delivered encouraging news regarding Mount’s recovery.
The midfielder has endured a series of setbacks since completing a £60 million move from Chelsea in 2023. His latest absence followed a brief substitute appearance in Carrick’s first match in charge against Manchester City on January 17.
Carrick confirmed that Mount is now back on the grass and nearing a return to full training. He emphasised that the club has taken a cautious approach, ensuring the midfielder is physically prepared for what he described as a “big finish” to the season. With three months remaining in the campaign, United hope Mount’s availability will provide an added boost in their quest to secure Champions League qualification.
No Concern Over Sesko’s Role
United’s recent 1-0 victory over Everton marked their fifth win in six matches, with Benjamin Sesko scoring his third goal as a substitute under Carrick.
Despite the striker’s impact from the bench, he has yet to start a match since the managerial change. Carrick dismissed any suggestion of concern, describing the situation as entirely positive. He praised Sesko’s overall contribution and reiterated that selection decisions are based on maintaining team balance rather than reflecting negatively on any individual.
According to Carrick, the forward’s performances demonstrate his quality, and whether he starts upcoming fixtures or continues to influence games from the bench is not an issue.
Praise for Maguire’s Experience
United’s success at Everton also owed much to the defensive display of Harry Maguire. The centre-back, whose contract situation remains under review with four months left on his current deal, received strong praise from Carrick.
The manager highlighted Maguire’s character, experience, and willingness to take responsibility in challenging moments. He suggested that the defender’s career journey — from early promise to periods of scrutiny and resurgence — has strengthened his resilience.
Carrick noted that while young players often perform with fearless energy, seasoned professionals benefit from the lessons learned during highs and lows. In his view, Maguire’s recent performances reflect the value of that accumulated experience.
As Manchester United prepare to face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, attention remains split between maintaining momentum on the pitch and managing key injuries off it. While De Ligt’s return date remains uncertain, Mount’s progress offers optimism as the club approaches a decisive phase of the season.
