Carrick faces media in Madrid as Shaw, Mainoo and De Ligt fitness doubts cloud Atletico clash

Michael Carrick addressed the media in Madrid on Monday evening ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League group-stage fixture against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, with several injury doubts hanging over his squad.

Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo both missed United’s training session on Monday morning, leaving their availability for the tie uncertain. The club has opted not to publish its travelling squad for European away games this season, citing a belief that doing so would hand the home side a tactical advantage — meaning Carrick’s press conference was the primary source of team news.

Also absent from Monday’s session were Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui. All three are ruled out of the Atletico fixture. The situation surrounding Matthijs de Ligt is less clear-cut: the Dutch centre-back did take part in training as he continues his comeback from a lengthy injury absence of nearly a year, but the club has been cautious about his workload and it remains to be seen whether he travels with the squad.

United arrive in Spain on the back of a difficult run of form in domestic competition, though they opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory over Sabah. A positive result at the Metropolitano would represent a significant step toward progression from the group stage, but Atletico Madrid at home rank among the sternest tests the competition can offer.

Carrick was scheduled to speak at 6.15pm local time, with his comments on the injury situation and tactical approach expected to provide the clearest picture yet of how United intend to line up on Tuesday night.