Manchester United play host to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, but a number of players will miss the Premier League clash
As many as seven players could miss Manchester United’s Premier League match with Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon. United play host to the Tricky Trees at Old Trafford, as they look for the strongest possible finish to 2025/26.
At the time of writing United sit third in the league standings with very little left to play for. Michael Carrick’s club cannot climb any higher as a result of Manchester City being 12 points clear as they enter their final two games of the season.
And while they could still drop to fourth should they suffer defeat against both Forest, as well as in their Premier League finale against Brighton next weekend – and Aston Villa triumph over City – that’s the lowest position they can fall to.
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It means that Champions League qualification has already been obtained by United, who will once again enjoy the late nights under the bright lights in European competition. However, Carrick will still be eager to give a good account of his side in their remaining matches, with a permanent position as head coach potentially riding on it.
The 44-year-old has thrived since taking up tenure on an interim basis in January and it looks likely he will be afforded a permanent contract this summer.
As a result, Carrick will have hoped to have a full strength squad available for selection for this weekend’s encounter. But the head coach could be without a number of key players.
While Casemiro is expected to make a return to the pitch after missing last week’s trip to the Stadium of Light, a number of his team-mates are in doubt for the Forest match. Speaking about Benjamin Sesko’s potential part in the game, Carrick explained in his pre-match press conference: “Ben’s not as straightforward as Case.
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“He’s still not 100 per cent with the problem he has. Apart from that we’re alright.”
Matthijs de Ligt, meanwhile, who has been out of action since November owing to a back injury, will not return this season. United confirmed in a statement that the Dutch defender has undergone back surgery, while De Ligt gave his own personal update.
He said: “Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football. I am grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout a difficult period in my career.
“I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”
However, United are not the only team heading into the encounter carrying injuries. Vitor Pereira confirmed doubts regarding Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been absent since sustaining a facial injury against Chelsea.
He explained: “He started today to work with the team with the mask. Let’s see. It’s strange when he uses it but I spoke with him and he said he’s OK with the mask, no problem. We’ll see if he’s in condition for the next match.”
Elsewhere, Pereira explained that Dan Ndoye and Ibrahim Sangare had returned to training following their own respective issues, although whether they will be fresh to roll out remains unknown. The head coach also confirmed that Murillo and Ola Aina are out.
