Manchester United face a major test in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, but uncertainty over the fitness of Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw has raised concerns for Michael Carrick ahead of the crucial European encounter.
Both players were absent from Manchester United’s open training session on Monday morning as the squad prepared to travel to Madrid. Their availability remains uncertain, leaving Carrick with important decisions to make before selecting his starting lineup.
The potential absences come at a challenging time for United, who must prepare for a demanding contest against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. With several players already unavailable or doubtful, the condition of Mainoo and Shaw could significantly influence the team’s preparations.
According to BBC Sport, both players remain doubts for Tuesday’s match, with a final decision on their fitness expected on Monday afternoon.
Mainoo and Shaw Miss Manchester United Training
Mainoo and Shaw absence from Monday’s open training session immediately attracted attention as Manchester United continued their preparations for the Champions League clash.
Mainoo played the full 90 minutes in United’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday. His ability to complete the match offered no immediate indication that he would miss the upcoming European fixture, but his absence from training has created uncertainty over his availability.
Shaw also featured against Tottenham but was substituted during the closing stages. Ayden Heaven replaced the England international, raising further questions about whether Shaw would be ready to face Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United will need to assess both players carefully before making a final decision.
Their fitness is particularly important because the match against Atletico presents a demanding challenge, requiring concentration, tactical discipline and the ability to compete across the pitch.
For Carrick, the priority will be ensuring that any player selected is physically ready for the intensity of the occasion.
Matthijs de Ligt Returns to First-Team Training
While the situations involving Mainoo and Shaw have caused concern, Manchester United received more encouraging news regarding Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender participated in first-team training on Monday morning, marking a positive development ahead of the trip to Madrid.
De Ligt had been absent from action for Manchester United for almost a year. His return to training therefore represents a notable step forward as the club prepares for an important European fixture.
However, his involvement in the session does not automatically guarantee that he will be available to play against Atletico Madrid. His match readiness and overall condition remain important considerations before Carrick makes his selection.
United also have several other fitness concerns to manage.
Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu are ruled out of Tuesday’s match, while Noussair Mazraoui remains a doubt.
These absences could limit Carrick’s options, particularly if Mainoo and Shaw are also unable to participate.
Manchester United Injury Situation Ahead of Atletico Madrid
The latest squad picture highlights several issues Carrick must consider before the match:
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Kobbie Mainoo: Doubtful after missing Monday’s open training session.
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Luke Shaw: Doubtful after being substituted late against Tottenham.
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Matthijs de Ligt: Returned to first-team training.
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Benjamin Sesko: Unavailable for Tuesday’s match.
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Patrick Dorgu: Unavailable for Tuesday’s match.
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Noussair Mazraoui: Still a doubt.
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Shea Lacey, Harry Amass and Jack Fletcher: Participated in first-team training.
The final availability of the doubtful players could determine how Carrick balances experience, defensive stability and midfield control.
Carlos Baleba Could Get His First Manchester United Start
If Mainoo is unavailable, Carrick has several alternatives to consider in midfield.
Carlos Baleba could emerge as a candidate for a starting position after making his Manchester United debut as a substitute against Tottenham.
The midfielder may now have an opportunity to start for the first time if the coaching staff decides Mainoo is not ready to feature.
Baleba is not the only option available. Andrey Santos and Mason Mount could also be considered as Carrick evaluates the best combination for the Atletico Madrid encounter.
Each option would give the manager a different way to approach the midfield battle.
The final decision is likely to depend on the tactical requirements of the match and the condition of the available players. Against a team managed by Diego Simeone, maintaining midfield discipline and limiting opportunities for the opposition will be important.
Mainoo’s potential absence would therefore create a selection challenge rather than simply requiring a like-for-like replacement.
Carrick must determine which available midfielder can best support the team’s overall approach while helping Manchester United remain competitive throughout the contest.
Luke Shaw Doubt Creates a Left-Back Dilemma
The situation at left-back could prove equally complicated if Shaw is ruled out.
His potential absence would force Carrick to reconsider the defensive lineup, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the available alternatives.
Leny Yoro played at right-back against Tottenham. If Carrick decides to retain Yoro in that position against Atletico Madrid, Diogo Dalot could move into contention for a starting role at left-back.
Harry Amass is another possible option.
The young defender participated in first-team training on Monday and could provide an alternative if Carrick needs additional cover in the position.
However, the manager must weigh the benefits of introducing a young player against the demands of a high-pressure European fixture.
The choice could also affect the balance of the wider defensive unit. Carrick will need to consider not only who can occupy the left-back position but also how the back line functions as a whole.
With Sesko and Dorgu already unavailable and Mazraoui still uncertain, United have limited room for further setbacks.
Young Players Could Join the Squad for Madrid
Manchester United also had three young talents involved in Monday’s first-team training session: Shea Lacey, Harry Amass and Jack Fletcher.
Their participation suggests they could be considered for inclusion in the travelling group for the Atletico Madrid match.
For young players, an opportunity to join the senior squad for a Champions League fixture would represent a valuable experience. Their involvement could also give Carrick additional flexibility if several senior players are unavailable.
Nevertheless, taking part in training does not confirm that any of the three will feature in the match.
The manager must assess the available options and determine which players are best suited to the demands of the occasion.
Manchester United Await Final Fitness Decisions
Manchester United’s preparations for Atletico Madrid remain complicated by uncertainty surrounding Mainoo and Shaw.
De Ligt’s return to training offers some encouragement, but the absences of Sesko and Dorgu, along with Mazraoui’s doubtful status, mean Carrick still has several selection questions to resolve.
The final fitness assessments will be particularly important because they could influence both the midfield combination and the defensive lineup.
If Mainoo and Shaw are unavailable, Baleba, Mount, Santos, Dalot and Amass could all become more significant options in Carrick’s plans.
For now, Manchester United must wait for clarity before confirming their approach to Tuesday’s Champions League encounter. The condition of two key players could shape the starting lineup and influence how Carrick prepares his team for the challenge awaiting them in Madrid.
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