Squad selection and injury concerns
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed a challenging start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, as his side faces Hull City with a depleted squad. The manager is managing a significant injury list that has ruled out key personnel for the season opener. Among those missing from the matchday squad is winger Amad Diallo, who was absent as the team arrived at the stadium, alongside veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton and center-back Matthijs de Ligt. Additionally, midfielder Mason Mount has been sidelined after failing a late fitness test following a pre-season knock.
The starting lineup sees Bryan Mbeumo joining Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu in attack, while Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Šeško, and Joshua Zirkzee have been named on the bench. Rashford’s inclusion comes alongside the official confirmation that he has been handed the No. 9 shirt, a move interpreted as a signal of his long-term future at Old Trafford following his return from a loan spell at Barcelona.
Midfield reconstruction and transfer activity
Despite the current injury woes, Manchester United remains active in the transfer market to bolster their squad. The club has reached an agreement with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth an initial £65 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-based add-ons. Baleba is scheduled to undergo a medical this weekend; however, the club confirmed that he will not be available for selection until at least late September as he continues his recovery from an ankle ligament injury sustained during pre-season.
Baleba is set to become the third midfield recruit of the summer, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The club is also overseeing departures, with academy prospects Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon finalizing moves to Arsenal. These moves reflect a broader strategy of squad reconstruction under Carrick, as the club balances immediate competitive requirements with long-term personnel adjustments.