Manchester United Face Injury Crisis as Michael Carrick Issues Six-Man Update

According to a report by the Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Manchester United could be without several key players for their UEFA Champions League trip to Como after manager Michael Carrick provided an update on the club’s injury situation.

The Red Devils travel to Italy on Wednesday looking to return to winning ways after their 1-1 draw against Leeds United extended their winless run to six matches.

Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Ayden Heaven, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko are among the players whose availability has become a concern ahead of the European fixture.

Martinez was substituted at half-time against Leeds after experiencing a thigh problem. Carrick confirmed that the Argentine defender would not travel with the squad for the Como encounter, although his condition was not considered particularly serious.

The United manager also provided updates on Mainoo and Shaw, with the midfielder expected to require approximately another 10 days before returning, while the left-back faces a longer spell on the sidelines.

Carrick revealed that illness had also affected the squad, with Heaven unavailable after falling sick. Rashford, meanwhile, continues to experience a hip problem despite being left on the bench in United’s recent matches.

The situation has created additional uncertainty at left-back, where Shaw and Patrick Dorgu are both unavailable with injuries. Academy graduate Harry Amass has travelled with the first-team squad and could receive an opportunity against Como.

Carrick indicated that the teenager was in contention to feature, highlighting the possibility of giving younger players opportunities amid the club’s growing selection problems.

Benjamin Sesko also remains unavailable as he continues to deal with a persistent shin issue that has troubled him since the end of last season.

The Slovenian striker’s return date remains uncertain, with Carrick hoping to obtain a clearer assessment of his condition before the end of the week.

The manager’s update leaves United facing several selection decisions as they prepare for their Champions League fixture, particularly in defence and attack.

With multiple players unavailable, Carrick may have to rely on squad depth and younger options to navigate the trip to Italy as Manchester United attempt to end their difficult run of results.