The Michael Carrick has provided important information on the injury of Mason Mount and Matthijs de Licht as United are planning to take on Crystal Palace in Old Trafford on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
The United manager, conducting his pre-match press conference on speaking, touched upon several key talking points – which included long-term injury issues, to Harry Maguire and his recent form and the position of Manuel Ugarte in the squad.
Mason Mount Closer to making a comeback.
The greatest item of good news was on Mason Mount. The midfielder of England has been out long enough, but Carrick was able to confirm that it is progressing.
Mason is coming nearer, really. He is lying on the grass, he is coming nearer. He is seeking to train and be in and around it in the near future.
It is a promising indicator to the fans of United.
Mount is one of the crucial options they have in the middle, and his return to the club towards the end of the season would be crucial in the quest to secure a place in the champions league by the club.
Patience according to Carrick has also been significant with the former Chelsea man.
He has just had to wait really. He is a huge player hence taking care of him, ensuring he finishes big towards the end of the season.
Situation of de Ligt More Complicated.
Although it seems like Mount is very close, the news about Matthijs de Ligt was not as encouraging. The Dutch defender last appeared in the last game that United played with Crystal Palace and Carrick affirmed that he has a back problem that has caused the lateness.
Matthijs has had a back problem that has not been moving as fast. We have been working through it and he is getting there. He is on the right track but he is only slightly lagging behind.
Back injuries are infamously hard to control and Carrick was not afraid to tell the truth as there was no definite schedule.
It is one that is hard to define, at least in terms of time. He is certainly getting better, so that is a good thing.
United will wish to see de Ligt in time before the end of the season. He is a valuable prospect to Carrick because of his quality and defence experience.
Maguire Glorifies Everton Performance.
Harry Maguire has taken the place of de Ligt. Carrick gave a glorifying report on the former United captain after he had shone in the victory at Everton.
Harry is an impressive character. I believed the other night he was wonderful. Practice is a good teacher and his qualities and his personality and his readiness to expose himself out there it was very impressive.
Carrick actually alluded that Maguire was possibly playing the best football of his life as of now.
As a profession, you begin to move towards the later times and the experience that you have acquired makes you a better performer. We have witnessed that in his recent acts with Harry.
It marks a fantastic come-back of a player who is under severe criticism over the last few years. Maguire appears confident, composed and in charge under Carrick.
Ugarte Demanding More Minutes.
Manuel Ugarte is one of the players who hopes that he will do more against Crystal Palace. Carrick clarified that his attitude has been of first class but the Uruguayan midfielder has not been given much chances to be a starter.
“Manu, I like him a lot. He has been fantastic within the group and I have been immensely impressed with his approach and his training aspects.
Carrick also admitted that good team establishment may be a detriment to fringe players, but argued that there was healthy competition and this factor is rewarding the squad.
When the team is winning, to one or two boys who are not playing it is harder to take part. But it brings that rivalry in the honest healthy manner.
On Sunday, Ugarte will be happy to advance his case.
United Eye Three Points Against Palace.
Manchester United head to home league game on a winning streak. Anything less than a win against Crystal Palace would place them squarely in the game of attempting to win a Champions League position- a goal that has obviously been brought into sharp focus during the reign of Carrick.
United have the potential to become a squad with something to build, as the competition to places and Mount almost behind, Maguire in good form. Another chance to demonstrate that is the game on Sunday.
