Manchester United face fresh injury worry ahead of Liverpool showdown
Manchester United go into Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Old Trafford with real uncertainty in the squad, and interim head coach Michael Carrick confirmed as much in his pre-match press conference on Friday. According to reports from the club’s official media channels and major Premier League outlets, at least one player is certain to miss the game, while several others remain doubtful.
Matheus Cunha, who sat out the recent win over Brentford with a hip problem, gives United the best reason to stay optimistic. Carrick said the club are hopeful but not certain about the Brazilian forward’s availability.
Luke Shaw came off during that same Brentford victory, and Carrick offered no firm update on his condition, leaving his fitness completely up in the air. Matthijs de Ligt, sidelined since November with a back injury, remains out, with Carrick confirming he is still some way from returning.
Lisandro Martínez, meanwhile, sits out the final match of his three-game ban earned from his red card against Leeds United last month, meaning he returns for the Sunderland trip on 9 May. Manchester United’s squad depth is facing a major test at the worst possible time.
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Does Manchester United’s injury list actually expose something deeper about the squad?
Yes, it does, and it is worth being blunt about it. Manchester United have built a squad with far too little cover in the positions that matter most. Shaw’s recurring fitness concerns are not new; he has spent significant phases of every recent season unavailable.
De Ligt arrived with top-tier defensive quality and positional intelligence, but injuries have stopped him from finding any rhythm. Cunha has been arguably Manchester United’s most creative and unpredictable attacking presence this season, direct and difficult to contain, but he has also missed crucial matches.
This pattern isn’t just bad luck; it shows a squad that, even after heavy investment, is still far too brittle. Martínez’s suspension adds another factor because he is clearly United’s most aggressive defensive presence.
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Against a Liverpool side that remain sharp and well-organised, Manchester United’s back line is in for a very tough afternoon. Manchester United need this result badly to keep their Champions League hopes alive, and they are walking into it thin on options.
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