Sesko and Mainoo ruled out as injury-hit United face Bournemouth under Carrick

Manchester United face AFC Bournemouth on Sunday in desperate need of a result, but Michael Carrick must navigate a significant injury list after his side were thrashed 4-1 by Champions League debutants Como on Wednesday night — a defeat that has placed his position under serious threat.

Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined with a shin problem, and Carrick has yet to provide a return date for the striker after failing to give an update at his pre-match press conference. The forward’s absence leaves United short of attacking options at a critical moment.

Kobbie Mainoo is also out after Carrick confirmed on Tuesday that the midfielder would be unavailable for approximately 10 days with a muscular injury. The 19-year-old is expected to return in time for the visit of Chelsea on 31 October.

Marcus Rashford, who missed the trip to Italy after starting on the bench against Leeds, is listed as a doubt with a hip complaint. Carrick offered no fresh update on the forward, leaving his availability for Sunday uncertain, though he has not been ruled out.

Luke Shaw continues his recovery from an undisclosed injury and is expected to be sidelined until at least November, with a potential return pencilled in for the Europa League fixture against AS Roma on 3 November.

Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable after picking up a thigh injury during the most recent international break, with the full-back not expected back until November. Manuel Ugarte faces the longest road back of all — the midfielder suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup and is not projected to return until 2027.

On a more positive note, Lisandro Martinez could be fit for Sunday after being withdrawn at half-time against Leeds and missing the Como game entirely. Carrick indicated in midweek that the Argentine centre-back may be available. Teenage defender Ayden Heaven, absent for the last two matches through illness, is also in contention to return against the Cherries.

Carrick remains in charge for the Bournemouth fixture, but United’s board are understood to be monitoring the situation closely. A further defeat could end his tenure at Old Trafford.