The likelihood of Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo missing Manchester United’s upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid has increased after both players missed the English side’s final training session prior to traveling to the Spanish capital.
The injuries compound the pressure on Michael Carrick, whose Manchester United side have managed just six points from their opening six Premier League matches—representing the club’s worst start at this stage since the 1986–1987 season.
United have not disclosed the nature of the duo’s injuries, with their final status to be determined before departure for Madrid. Notably, Mainoo completed the entirety of the recent match against Tottenham, while Shaw started in the frustrating 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
The fresh fitness doubts arrive as the team already deals with significant absentees: Manuel Ugarte continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, Benjamin Šeško is undergoing evaluation over a leg issue, and Matthijs de Ligt has returned to group training following a lengthy back problem without yet regaining match fitness.
United have won just once in the league, alongside three draws and two defeats, and failed to hold their lead against a ten-man Tottenham side, conceding an equalizer in stoppage time amid jeers from the Old Trafford faithful.
The European picture looks comparatively brighter, after the team opened their campaign with a 4-0 thrashing of Azerbaijani side Sabah, whereas Atlético fell 2-1 to Liverpool. However, a visit to the Metropolitano Stadium represents the first true test of United’s continental ambitions this season.
Carrick successfully guided the club back to the Champions League after securing 12 wins from 17 league matches last season to finish third, earning a permanent two-year contract. Nevertheless, the current sluggish start has dispelled much of the optimism that accompanied his appointment.
According to English reports, United’s board remains committed to backing the manager, but another defeat against Atlético, coupled with unconvincing performances and an injury crisis, could turn doubts into serious discussions regarding his future—particularly with a grueling sequence of upcoming European and domestic tests awaiting the team.
