Michael Carrick Explains Why Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Benjamin Šeško Missed Manchester United’s Sunderland Match

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that Casemiro is expected to return for next weekend’s meeting with Nottingham Forest after missing Saturday’s trip to Sunderland with a minor injury concern.

United travelled to the Stadium of Light without several senior players despite arriving off the back of an important 3-2 win over Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Benjamin Šeško were all absent from the matchday squad, prompting questions about their fitness before kick-off.

Carrick moved quickly to ease concerns, explaining that Casemiro’s issue is not considered serious. The Brazilian midfielder has become an important figure again since Carrick’s arrival, with his experience and composure helping stabilise United during the run-in to Champions League qualification.

Speaking ahead of the match against Sunderland AFC, Carrick explained that Šeško has been managing a shin problem for several weeks. The striker suffered another heavy knock during the Liverpool game and was unable to recover in time for Saturday’s fixture.

Carrick said: “Ben’s been carrying a shin problem for some time and he took another quite a big bang on it. Obviously he had to come off last week, so he wasn’t ready today.”

The United manager also confirmed that Ugarte suffered a back problem during training. The midfielder has featured regularly since joining the club but was left out as a precaution after experiencing discomfort during preparations for the Sunderland match.

Carrick added: “Casemiro, he’ll be fine for next week, it’s nothing major. Manu had a problem with his back in training, so that’s the issues kind of ironed out.”

Despite the absences, Carrick insisted he remained confident in the strength of his side. United made five changes from the team that defeated Liverpool, with some alterations driven by fitness concerns and others linked to squad rotation following an intense run of fixtures.

Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount were handed their first starts under Carrick, while Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martínez returned to the starting lineup.

Amad’s inclusion attracted particular attention after the winger’s mistake contributed to Liverpool getting back into last weekend’s game at Old Trafford. The young attacker misplaced possession in a dangerous area, allowing Liverpool to capitalise during the second half.

Carrick, however, strongly defended the winger during his pre-match media duties and made clear that the error had not damaged his confidence in the player. The manager praised Amad’s mentality and highlighted the wider contribution he has made since returning to the side.

“Amad’s absolutely fine,” Carrick said. “He was smiling at full-time. Mistakes are part of football. I made plenty as a player.”

Carrick stressed that individual errors should not overshadow the winger’s performances across recent months. Since Carrick’s return to the club, Amad has become a regular part of the attack and has impressed with his work rate, movement and energy both in and out of possession.

The United boss pointed to the player’s overall attitude around the training ground and during matches, suggesting the response to the Liverpool setback had been exactly what he wanted to see from a young player.

“He’s done so many good things since I came back, through the impact he’s had on the team and what he gives with his performances,” Carrick explained.

“With the ball, without the ball, his energy and his attitude, he’s been great over the last few days. He’s got nothing to feel down or upset or frustrated about because he’s got so much to look forward to.”

Carrick also described Amad as one of the most enjoyable players to coach in the current squad. The winger previously spent time on loan at Sunderland during the 2022-23 campaign and returned to familiar surroundings on Saturday with the backing of his manager.

“He’s an absolute joy to work with, is in a good place and I’m sure he’s looking forward to the game,” Carrick said.

United’s recent improvement under Carrick has been built partly on stronger squad management and clearer communication with players. Injuries have continued to affect the squad throughout the season, but the coaching staff have increasingly taken a cautious approach with recovery timelines in an attempt to avoid longer-term setbacks.

Casemiro’s expected return next weekend will come as an important boost ahead of the meeting with Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian has regained prominence in midfield after a difficult period earlier in the campaign and has provided leadership during United’s push back into the Champions League places.

Šeško’s absence leaves United without one of their main attacking threats for the Sunderland fixture. The Slovenian forward has enjoyed a productive spell in front of goal in recent months and has formed an effective partnership with players such as Cunha and Bruno Fernandes in the final third.

Mount’s return to the starting side also represents another step in his recovery after a frustrating spell disrupted by injuries. The England international has struggled for rhythm since arriving from Chelsea FC, but Carrick has continued to show faith in his qualities whenever he has been available.

United entered the Sunderland game already assured of Champions League qualification following the victory over Liverpool. That achievement has allowed Carrick some flexibility in team selection across the closing weeks of the season, while also giving opportunities to players returning from injury or searching for consistency.

The atmosphere around the club has shifted considerably during Carrick’s time in charge, with results and performances improving at a crucial stage of the campaign. Confidence inside the squad has grown, and the manager’s calm handling of individual setbacks has become a noticeable feature of United’s recent run.