It's rare for a player's reputation to improve without them being on the pitch, yet that's precisely what has happened with Amad Diallo this season. Amad sustained a "niggle" during training on the eve of the campaign opener against Hull, but the problem has proved sufficiently serious to rule him out of all seven Manchester United fixtures to date. Michael Carrick has indicated that Amad could return against Tottenham this weekend, the first match after the international break. And that would provide a considerable boost as the 24-year-old is a crucial member of the attack, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Benjamin Sesko's shin injury.

Carrick has declined to reveal specifics regarding Sesko's injury, though United's medical staff face a challenging task if the striker is genuinely battling shin splints, an ailment which plagued Andy Cole during the 1990s.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Such injuries prove notoriously difficult to manage, as they can resurface without warning, evidenced by Sesko's return to the treatment room despite believing he'd overcome the issue after missing pre-season for rehabilitation.

Get Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.

Sesko's condition has been further evaluated at Carrington throughout the international break, suggesting that, at least in the immediate future, Carrick may be deprived of his squad's sole natural centre-forward.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Sesko's potential absence would be a setback, though Carrick has shown a tendency to deploy a striker-less attacking trio, even when the Slovenian has been fit for selection.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Sesko has featured exclusively as a substitute in the Premier League this campaign, with his two starts coming against Sabah in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

Carrick's favoured attacking trio has been Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, prompting debate among supporters about whether he genuinely considers deploying a natural striker his ideal approach.

Such a system proved highly successful for Carrick last term, and the forward line can demonstrate greater dynamism, fluidity and pace when Sesko is absent. Yet this season's difficulty has been that Cunha has been selected to operate centrally.

Following Rashford's return, Cunha has been shifted from the left flank to a central role, with Mbeumo positioned on the right, though the Brazilian has appeared ill-suited to that position, which helps explain why Amad's return from injury is significant.

Mbeumo proves more effective centrally than Cunha, and he can occupy that role when Amad is available, as the latter would feature on the right, presenting a selection between Rashford and Cunha on the left.

It was no coincidence that Cunha appeared more threatening when he switched to the left against Fulham before the interval, which enabled him to cut inside and net an equaliser, albeit with a fortunate deflection. The attacking unit functions more effectively when Amad is available.

Cunha performs better operating from the left flank, while Mbeumo poses a greater danger through the centre. It's a win-win scenario, meaning Amad's potential return for the weekend fixture would represent excellent news.

The circumstances surrounding Amad's injury proved particularly untimely, given he appeared poised for an impressive season, radiating self-assurance during the World Cup where he delivered two outstanding goals for the Ivory Coast.

Amad resembled his form from the 2024/2025 season at the World Cup. It's often overlooked, but he recorded double figures for both goals and assists throughout that particular season, establishing himself as United's most influential performer for considerable periods.

He delivered a magnificent winning goal against Manchester City in December 2024, the leveller against Liverpool at Anfield, and produced a remarkable 10-minute hat-trick against Southampton.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

He was challenging for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year accolade before sustaining an ankle problem ib a training session, sidelining him for three months and ultimately allowing Bruno Fernandes to claim the honour.

It's impossible to ignore that Amad's output proved inadequate last season, managing merely two goals and four assists in all competitions, yet his displays throughout the summer indicated he would rediscover his finest form for United when the fresh campaign began.

He'll be desperate to return to action having sat out the opening seven fixtures, with his unavailability serving as a stark reminder of his significance to the squad, both as an offensive weapon and as a tireless worker. "I actually think he's playing well," said Carrick when he was asked about Amad's form earlier this year.

"I think, yeah, numbers in terms of goals and assists.... I think there's an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team as he has, to worry about numbers.

"I think he gives the team so much. He's got so much talent, he's got so much ability, but his work ethic and his attitude is fantastic as well. He has played different roles at times. I'm a big fan of Amad."

Daily Express

Tottenham make decision on sacking Roberto De Zerbi as CEO delivers major update - Daily Express

Submitted by daniel on Thu, 01/10/2026 - 10:42

Tottenham make decision on sacking Roberto De Zerbi as CEO delivers major update Daily Express

Daily Express

Fernandes, Mainoo, Sesko, Rashford, Mazraoui - Man Utd injury update

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 30/09/2026 - 11:05

Manchester United still have nearly a fortnight remaining before they return to the Premier League, and are managing several fitness concerns ahead of their next match, at home to Tottenham on October 10. Numerous United players have joined up with their international sides during the prolonged break, a move that has already produced fresh fitness concerns.

Michael Carrick has been forced to cope with multiple United players being sidelined through injury during the opening weeks of the season, and he will be hoping the situation improves following the international window. Here, Express Sport examines the current United injury situation and projected return dates....

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Get Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

Noussair Mazraoui

United received an unwelcome fitness setback on Tuesday when Noussair Mazraoui was forced off during Morocco's victory over Lesotho.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Mazraoui left the pitch after treatment for an undisclosed fitness issue, and it remains unclear whether this will rule the United defender out once the international break concludes.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Potential return date: Unknown.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford pulled out of the England squad at the beginning of the international break, having been taken off with a fitness complaint during United's draw with Fulham earlier this month.

Carrick said: "We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright]."

Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League.

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo was also named in the England squad by Thomas Tuchel but was withdrawn at the start of the international break.

Whether the midfielder will be fit and available when Premier League action resumes next month remains to be seen.

Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League.

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu delivered another injury concern to United after being substituted during Denmark's victory over Wales at the weekend.

Dorgu was taken off with a suspected injury during the Nations League fixture in Copenhagen, leaving his availability for United's return to action very much in doubt.

Potential return date: Unknown.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes sat out Portugal's victory over Norway at the weekend due to injury, but could feature on Thursday when his nation takes on Denmark.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said: "In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem.

"We'll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover but that's the same for Norway as for us. However, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who might come off, that's what I'll base my decision on.

"The [Fernandes] case involves treatment and recovery time. He's coming off an injury at United, and he told me he's been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him.

"It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales. I've already spoken to him and I prefer not to risk it in this game so he's fully fit for the Denmark match."

Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League.

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko pulled out of the Slovenia squad after missing United's draw with Fulham through injury.

Whether the striker will be available when United resume action following the international break remains uncertain.

Carrick said: "He just felt a little bit of pain after the game the other night [vs Brighton]. We're assessing that. Hopefully, it's not too bad, but we will have to see."

Potential return date: Unknown.

Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo is yet to make an appearance for United this season as a result of to a pre-season injury.

Carrick previously voiced optimism that Amad will return to training during the international break, with the player himself posting a teasing image on Instagram hinting at an imminent comeback.

Carrick said: "Amad, hopefully, by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That's a positive."

Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League.

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has been absent from United's lineup since November of last year due to a back injury, though he has been intensifying his rehabilitation in recent weeks.

Carrick said: "Matta is just working his way back, really. So I don't want to, because of how it's been, put too much of a timeframe on it."

Potential return date: Unknown.

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious knee injury during the World Cup and subsequently underwent surgery.

The midfielder is unlikely to be fit until next year, and whether he will make an appearance before the season ends remains uncertain.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Karl Darlow

Karl Darlow was pulled from the Wales squad at the beginning of the international break, leaving it unclear whether the summer recruit will be fit for the upcoming clash against Tottenham next month.

Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League.

Tom Heaton

Tom Heaton picked up an injury prior to the Premier League season getting underway, preventing the goalkeeper from making a single matchday squad appearance so far this campaign.

Daily Express

Every Premier League table without Man City as Tottenham and Hull left gutted

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 30/09/2026 - 07:00

Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 Premier League charges, throwing the league into chaos and sparking speculation on what punishment the club may face. No decision is set on how City will be penalised, and they also have until Friday to lodge an appeal, but their accomplishments between 2009/10 and 2017/18 now have a dark cloud cast over it.

The Premier League confirmed on Tuesday that City were found guilty on all but one charge, despite them releasing their own statement insisting no wrongdoing had taken place. But here at Express Sport, we have taken a look at how the league tables would have finished in each of the nine seasons with City's results removed...

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

In 2009/10, without City, Everton would have secured European football, and Burnley would have stayed in the league, with West Ham climbing above Wigan and Blackburn overtaking Birmingham.

Even if City were to drop to 20th, Hull would have been relegated.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Birmingham would also have gone down by just one goal on goal difference, while Tottenham would have qualified for the Champions League and Liverpool would secure a spot in the Europa League.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Spurs would miss out again in 2011/12, but if City had finished bottom, they would have overtaken Arsenal and finished in second place, behind Manchester United.

The following year would see Liverpool beat Everton to a place in the Europa League, while Spurs would again clinch Champions League football, if City were removed from the equation.

Agonisingly, Wigan would have stayed up alongside a possible FA Cup win.

In 2014/15, Spurs secure yet another Champions League qualification, climbing from fifth to fourth. Swansea also benefit, earning a European play-off position in seventh.

Hull stay up, yet again, ahead of Burnley.

Leicester's extraordinary title triumph remains intact without their four points against Pellegrini's squad, but Louis van Gaal's Manchester United would move into the Champions League places, while Rafa Benitez and Newcastle would avoid the drop, with City relegated in bottom.

In 2016/17, Arsenal would have clinched Champions League football and overtake Liverpool if results against City were removed in Pep Guardiola's first season.

Hull secure survival again with just 34 points.

When City romped to the title with 100 points, United would have triumphed, and Chelsea move into a Champions League spot. Swansea also would have survived, beating Stoke on goal difference.

The main takeaways

The key changes relate to those three City championships. The revised tables would deliver two additional titles for Manchester United - one during Sir Alex Ferguson's tenure and another under Jose Mourinho - alongside one for Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool.

At the lower end of the table, Hull are the sole club that would secure not one but two escapes from relegation. Yet the most significant casualties of City's outcomes are Tottenham, who would win four extra Champions League qualifications.

Naturally, this remains an inexact exercise, considering the numerous variables involved. It's also important to acknowledge that City regard the matter as far from concluded, though it remains fascinating for supporters to think about what could have transpired.

Daily Express

Michael Carrick disagreement breaks out with verdict on sacking Man Utd manager

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 27/09/2026 - 06:30

Michael Carrick’s start to the season couldn’t have gone much worse. Apart from the one Premier League win over Ipswich Town and the Champions League victory against Sabah FK, the Red Devils have endured a miserable start to the campaign.

Defeats to Manchester City and Hull City in the Premier League are particular low points, as well as squandering a two-goal lead against Brighton in the League Cup. Meanwhile, draws away to Everton and Fulham have done very little to quieten the noise surrounding United’s poor start.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Get Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

With two wins from seven matches across all competitions, there have been suggestions that Carrick’s job could be on the line already. The Englishman was ushered in at the turn of the year on an interim basis to replace Ruben Amorim, who was sacked after a dismal run of form.

Carrick helped turn United’s fortunes around and was able to guide them into the Champions League. Yet, the early signs haven’t been positive and according to the majority of those who voted in a recent Express Sport poll, the United owners would be better off sacking him right now.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Granted, the majority wasn’t exactly overwhelming, with 53 per cent of those who voted saying he should be sacked during the ongoing international break. There is still substantial support for Carrick - at least at the moment - with 47 per cent saying United would be foolish to cut ties this early in the season.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Analysis - What next if Man Utd sacked Michael Carrick?

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

United have been churning through managers of late, with the odds on Carrick being next to be sacked having been slashed in recent weeks. As for his potential replacement, Eddie Howe is being tipped as a candidate, with the tactician having left Newcastle United in the summer.

Howe would fit the bill for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who has spoken about building a team supported by the best talent Britain has on offer. Other currently unemployed managers include Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte, with the pair having recently left the German national team and Napoli respectively.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Assuming he sees out the international break, Carrick’s first task upon domestic football returning will come at home to Tottenham. After that, the three-time European champions face a tough schedule, including matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Bournemouth, Como, and Chelsea all before the end of October.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Daily Express

Subscribe to Daily Express