Carrick confirms Shaw and De Ligt doubts as six players face Sabah fitness test

Manchester United could be without as many as six players when they host Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday in their opening Champions League league-phase fixture of the season.

Manager Michael Carrick oversaw training on Wednesday ahead of the tie, and the session provided a clearer picture of his available squad. Luke Shaw was absent, though the club confirmed it was a planned rest day rather than a fresh concern. Carrick told reporters: “We just gave him an extra recovery day today, Luke. So, obviously, we’ll see tomorrow how he is but it’s not an ongoing thing or planning like that. Off the back of the game the other day, as normal, each individual has different little things we manage and Luke was one of them today.”

Matthijs de Ligt was also missing from the session on the same basis, but the Dutch centre-back remains a longer-term absentee. The defender has not played for United since November last year due to a back injury, and Carrick indicated he will not be rushed back. “It’s positive. He’s trained really well but we’re still managing it,” Carrick said. “When you’re out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you’ve got to manage that last stage. He’s on a good track, in a good place — hopefully, some time soon.”

Amad was again absent from training as he continues to recover from a muscle injury sustained before the start of the season, while Carlos Baleba remains sidelined with an ankle problem. Manuel Ugarte was also not involved in Wednesday’s session.

On a more positive note, Marcus Rashford, who was substituted during Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton with a potential fitness concern, did take part in training and is expected to be available against the Azerbaijani side.

United go into the match having dropped points at the weekend, and Carrick will be hoping to have as close to a full complement as possible for their European opener.