Man Utd Injury Boost: Shaw Nears Fulham Return, Amad Out

Man Utd Injury Update: Luke Shaw Could Return for Fulham Clash

Luke Shaw is closing in on a return for Manchester United's trip to Fulham, but Amad Diallo, Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt are more likely to feature after the international break, according to Michael Carrick's latest injury update.

Fixture: Fulham vs Manchester United — next Premier League match
Manager: Michael Carrick, in his first full permanent campaign
Closest return: Luke Shaw, who has missed United's last three matches
Unlikely for Fulham: Amad Diallo (ankle), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Matthijs de Ligt (back)
Long-term: Manuel Ugarte (ACL, out until early to mid-2027), Tom Heaton (hamstring)
Recent form: 3-2 Carabao Cup home loss to Brighton after leading 2-0 inside 10 minutes

Injury and availability

Luke Shaw has missed United's last three matches with an unspecified issue. Carrick said on Tuesday: "Luke could [be available]," adding that a return is "a matter of a few days rather than anything else." He is in the frame for Fulham.

Amad Diallo has not played this season after suffering an ankle injury in training before the opening match at Hull. Carrick admitted: "Amad is not quite close, in terms of days, you know. We'll see as the week progresses." He is unlikely to face Fulham, with Tottenham after the international break the realistic target.

Carlos Baleba arrived from Brighton for £70 million carrying an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season against Strasbourg. He has resumed outdoor work at Carrington and Carrick previously suggested a return within two to three weeks was possible. Fulham is likely too early; Tottenham after the break looks more plausible.

Matthijs de Ligt has not played for United since November 2025 after aggravating a lower back injury against Crystal Palace. He underwent surgery in May and missed the World Cup with the Netherlands. He should be closer after the international break.

Manuel Ugarte suffered a torn ACL on World Cup duty with Uruguay against Spain in June and underwent surgery. Early to mid-2027 is the working estimate for his return; he may not play this season.

Tom Heaton suffered a hamstring injury following the pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden. There is no firm return date. He is third-choice goalkeeper behind Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow.

What was said

"Luke could [be available]. He could possibly be fit for Brighton, but we'll see. It's not clear-cut, but it's a matter of a few days rather than anything else."
— Michael Carrick on Luke Shaw, Tuesday

"Amad is not quite close, in terms of days, you know. We'll see as the week progresses."
— Michael Carrick on Amad Diallo

Carrick's language on Shaw was notably more optimistic than his assessment of Amad. The phrase "a matter of a few days" suggests Shaw is already back in full training or close to it. By contrast, "not quite close, in terms of days" is a clear signal that Amad remains some way off.

The manager has consistently used these updates to manage expectations, and the pattern here is a short-term boost followed by a longer-term wait. Shaw offers immediate help; the others are framed as October returns.

Why Shaw's return matters more than any other

United have lacked balance without Luke Shaw. He gives them a natural left-sided outlet and some control in build-up. At the moment, United look stretched too easily and too often. Without him, the shape leans to the right and the team struggles to progress the ball cleanly.

Carlos Baleba could change the feel of the midfield quickly once fit. He covers ground, can carry the ball and provides athletic presence. United are too easy to play through when games become stretched, as Brighton exposed. Matthijs de Ligt would add authority and presence to a defence that has looked uncertain and reactive under pressure.

The return of Amad Diallo matters because United's attacking patterns are predictable and too much falls on moments rather than sustained play. He offers one-v-one quality and movement in the final third. Until he is back, Carrick will lean on Mason Mount and Shea Lacey, who both scored in the Brighton defeat but could not prevent the collapse.

The numbers

Carabao Cup home defeat: Manchester United 2-3 Brighton
United led 2-0 inside 10 minutes through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount
Carlos Baleba transfer fee: £70 million from Brighton
Shaw missed United's last three matches
De Ligt's last appearance: November 2025
Ugarte's expected return: early to mid-2027

Talking points

If Shaw returns and United still defend leads poorly, injuries can no longer be the main excuse for Carrick's side.
Amad's absence is hurting United more than fans admit — without him there is no genuine one-v-one threat to break low blocks.
Baleba's £70m fee looks steep for a player yet to kick a ball, but his athleticism is exactly what this midfield lacks.
De Ligt has been out since November 2025 — nine months later, is he still first-choice when fully fit, or has the defence moved on?

What happens next

Carrick will assess Shaw in training before the trip to Fulham. After that comes the international break, followed by a meeting with Tottenham, which is the realistic target for Amad, Baleba and De Ligt. United need results now, and the manager knows a fit squad removes his most convenient excuse.

Frequently asked questions

Is Luke Shaw playing for Man Utd vs Fulham?

Shaw is the closest of the absentees to a return and is in the frame for Fulham, according to Carrick. The manager described his availability as "a matter of a few days."

When will Amad Diallo return from injury?

Amad is not close in terms of days, per Carrick. The realistic target appears to be Tottenham after the international break.

Will Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt play before October?

Both are more likely to feature after the international break, with Tottenham a plausible return date. Fulham is expected to come too soon for either.