Manchester United Squad Update: Sesko Returns, Mount's Fitness in Question

Michael Carrick has been handed a timely boost ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League opener at Hull – with Benjamin Sesko back on the grass and pushing for a place in the squad.

The Slovenia striker did not kick a ball in pre-season after a shin injury flared up, an issue he had battled through last year before it worsened in the win over Liverpool at Old Trafford in May. While United toured and played six friendlies, Sesko stayed behind at Carrington, working through rehab alone.

Now he is back with the group. Not ready to start, but back.

“Ben [Sesko] is back training. So that's again another positive,” Carrick said. “Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.”

For a United side that leaned heavily on his goals last season, just seeing Sesko in full training again changes the mood. He is unlikely to be thrown in from the first whistle at the MKM Stadium, with match sharpness still missing, but his presence on the bench would at least give Carrick a different kind of weapon if the game tightens.

Mount ‘touch-and-go’ as United play the long game

The picture is less clear with Mason Mount. What was initially described as a minor knock has already cost him two pre-season friendlies, and he will miss a third game if he does not make it for Saturday.

Carrick, though, refused to sound alarmed.

“We are managing Mason [Mount] a little bit, but he's very close, so it's touch-and-go for the weekend really, if not going into next week,” he said.

Then came the firm defence of his midfielder.

“I think, first of all, Mason is a top player. Top player. I think we've seen that so far pre-season. He was one of our best players in the early stages in the games that he played in. I thought he was fantastic.

“And he's picked up a little bit of a knock. There's no drama. It's maybe, it's been a week or so, 10 days or whatever it's been. So it's nothing major.”

Mount’s recent years have been punctured by fitness issues, and Carrick knows he cannot simply run him into the ground.

“Of course, he's missed some football over recent years and he wants to be fit, he wants to be in that full rhythm, and he wants to stay fit. So we're doing our best to help him do that, but he's a top player, Mason.

“It's the same as the group. We've got to manage the squad. There's going to be injuries through the season. We've got to have a squad that's strong enough to have a really good top starting team with the depth to carry us through the season. Mason will be back very, very soon, if not immediately, so it's all good.”

De Ligt ruled out, Darlow ready

At the back, Matthijs de Ligt will not feature. The defender has returned to training after back surgery, but United are refusing to rush the final stages of his recovery.

“Matt [De Ligt] has obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training and great to have him back,” Carrick said. “Well, he won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction. So that's really a good bonus for us really at this stage to have him back.”

The more immediate reinforcement could come in goal. New signing Karl Darlow is in contention after a full week’s work at Carrington.

“Yeah, Karl [Darlow] has trained this week. He's back training, so he's in good shape,” Carrick confirmed.

First trip to Hull since 2017

United’s visit to Hull will be their first since 2017, a reminder of how long the Tigers have been away from the top flight. They forced their way back into the Premier League last season via the play-offs, ending a nine-year stay in the Championship.

It means an opening day that carries a bit of edge. A promoted side at home, a full stadium, a first chance to make a statement.

Carrick sounds ready for it.

“As you'd expect, really looking forward to another season, you know,” he said. “They come thick and fast, so it's about making the most of everything that's in front of us really.

“And really encouraged with the work we've done in pre-season on the training ground, mostly in the games I think's been really good. So yeah, very much looking forward to the first game and a tough one on Saturday.”

Sesko easing back, Mount on the brink, De Ligt waiting in the wings, Darlow poised: United arrive in Hull not at full strength, but with the sense that their season is only just beginning to take shape.