Manchester United injury list grows as Sesko, Rashford and Mainoo withdraw

Manchester United's injury list keeps getting longer at the worst possible moment. With Michael Carrick's side sitting on just five points from their opening five Premier League matches, the October international break was supposed to be a chance to reset. Instead, it has delivered a fresh round of withdrawals, with players pulling out of national squads and international managers openly discussing the fitness of United players.

Sesko's shin problem flares again

Benjamin Sesko is the most concerning of the new cases. The striker missed the entirety of pre-season with a shin injury and had only just fought his way back into the squad, but a flare-up of the same problem ruled him out of the Fulham game and has now forced him to withdraw from Slovenia's squad entirely.

The Slovenia head coach did little to calm fears when asked about the forward, suggesting a player who has rarely been injured in the past is now navigating an unfamiliar stretch of his career. For United, the timing could hardly be worse: the drop-off in quality behind Sesko is vast, and Carrick cannot afford to be without a focal point for long.

Rashford and Mainoo pull out of England duty

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo had both been named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, but both withdrew through injury before the fixtures. Mainoo's absence is particularly worrying — if the problem keeps him out for a prolonged period, Carrick could be forced into a makeshift midfield, with Dorgu so far used mainly as a substitute this season.

Add the injury that has sidelined Bruno Fernandes, and the two problems Carrick described as his biggest headaches are exactly the areas where United have the least cover.

One boost ahead of Tottenham

There is at least some good news. Amad Diallo, who established himself as a regular at Old Trafford after a productive 2024-25 campaign, is closing in on a return and could offer Carrick a much-needed attacking option when Tottenham visit. After five points from five games, and with the manager's position starting to come under scrutiny, United need every body they can get.

The international break still has days left to run, and United will hope no further names join the list before the Premier League returns. On current evidence, that hope is being tested weekly.