Amad ruled out as Mount edges closer to return for Man United's Ipswich clash

Manchester United head into Sunday’s Premier League home fixture against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford with Michael Carrick navigating a notable injury list, after the club’s season opened with a 2-0 defeat to Hull City at the MKM Stadium.

Amad will not feature against Ipswich after picking up a minor training injury that kept him out of the trip to Hull. Carrick confirmed the winger needs more time, saying: “Amad won’t be involved, he’ll be out for a little bit longer.” The Ivorian is tentatively targeting a return for the away fixture against Everton on 6 September.

There is better news on Mason Mount, who has been sidelined with a foot injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month. The attacking midfielder returned to group training this week, and Carrick offered an encouraging update at his Friday press conference: “Mase is back around the group, he trained this week, so a real positive.” Mount could be in contention for Sunday’s match.

Carlos Baleba, who joined United in a £70 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion, will not be available for several more weeks. The Cameroonian midfielder arrived carrying an ankle ligament injury from pre-season and is not expected to return until September. Carrick said: “He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks. We knew that before. It’s no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back.” A return against Fulham on 20 September appears the most realistic target.

United’s opening-day loss to Hull — in which Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both scored in the first half — left Carrick’s side without a point and without a goal from their curtain-raiser. Sunday’s home game against newly promoted Ipswich represents an early opportunity to steady the campaign.