Manchester United have few problems heading into their Premier League match versus Sunderland as Michael Carrick considers his starting lineup to finish the season well
Michael Carrick looks to have a short injury list heading into this weekend’s match against Sunderland. Manchester United have already qualified for the Champions League but still have three Premier League matches remaining to end the season.
The clash with Sunderland marks the first of those as Carrick awaits a decision on his future at the club. His audition continues against the Black Cats, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
The former Middlesbrough boss has been without defender Matthijs de Ligt for the duration of his time in charge. The Dutchman has been out of action since November 30 and appears unlikely to return just yet, despite being spotted training on the grass last week.
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The other injury worry on Carrick’s hands is Benjamin Sesko. The striker was replaced at half-time of United’s win over Liverpool at the weekend after picking up an issue when he was pushed off of the pitch by Ibrahim Konate when protecting the ball.
Following that game, Carrick said: “He got a bang on his shin when he fell down the side of the pitch. It’s something that he’s been carrying for a little bit as well, so we’ve had to manage him a bit but he’s certainly had a bang right on the same spot.”
No update has been forthcoming on Sesko’s progress, and it appears likely he will continue to be managed by Carrick.
In better news, Carrick will be able to choose Lisandro Martinez if he chooses. The Argentina international has served his three-match suspension after being sent off in defeat to Leeds United.
Despite a relatively clean bill of health, Carrick has suggested he will make changes in the coming matches. The 44-year-old has admitted he is ‘aware’ he has kept a consistent team heading into the final games of the season.
“I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say,” he said. “Some have played a lot more than others and I understand from a professional and a playing point of view it can be difficult.
“But the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly each other, is great to see. It’s what we need within the group and that’s part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked.
“It’s the balance that we’ve made the most of really, so coming into these games it’s something we’re aware of, I think it’s really something we’re keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well, but it’s definitely something to be aware of.”
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