Sesko and De Ligt return to training but Mount doubt for United's Hull opener

Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to training at Carrington ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Hull City on Saturday, offering manager Michael Carrick an early fitness boost. However, Mason Mount’s continued absence from training sessions this week leaves him a doubt for the trip.

Sesko has been sidelined since sustaining an injury during United’s victory over Liverpool on 3 May, missing every pre-season fixture as a result. The striker is expected to lead the line as United’s first-choice centre-forward when fit, with Bryan Mbeumo filling the role in his absence — scoring a brace in the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid and the equaliser in the draw with Paris Saint-Germain. Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha have also featured as Carrick assessed his options up front.

De Ligt’s return is arguably the more significant development. The Dutch defender last featured in United’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last season before a back problem that was initially considered minor eventually ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. He subsequently underwent surgery during the summer. Last week he was pictured going through drills at Carrington, and Tuesday’s session marks another step forward in his recovery.

“Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football,” De Ligt said at the time of his surgery. “I remain as determined as ever to represent Manchester United and play in front of our incredible supporters as soon as possible.”

Mount’s situation is less encouraging. The midfielder impressed alongside Andrey Santos in the early stages of pre-season before picking up a knock during the 1-1 draw with PSG in Gothenburg. Despite initially telling reporters he was “all good” after that game, he has since missed matches against Leeds and AC Milan as well as Tuesday’s training session.

Carrick moved to play down the concern at the time, saying: “He got kicked. We just wanted to be careful and look after him. We’ve been lucky with injuries so far, so we wanted to be careful.” Whether that caution extends into the opening weekend of the Premier League season remains to be seen.