Sesko nears return but De Ligt ruled out as United prepare for Hull opener

Benjamin Sesko is in contention to return to Manchester United’s squad for their Premier League opener against Hull City on Saturday, though manager Michael Carrick has ruled out Matthijs de Ligt and flagged doubts over Mason Mount.

Sesko missed the entirety of pre-season as he recovered from a shin injury first sustained last campaign. The problem was aggravated during United’s win over Liverpool at Old Trafford in May, keeping him at Carrington while the squad completed six summer friendlies. He returned to full group training at the start of this week, and while a lack of match fitness means he is unlikely to start, Carrick welcomed his availability.

“Ben is back training — that’s again another positive,” Carrick said. “Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.”

De Ligt, who underwent back surgery, has also resumed training but will not be involved against Hull. Carrick indicated the club intends to manage the final stages of the Dutch defender’s recovery carefully. “Matt has obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and great to have him back,” Carrick said. “He won’t be involved, but he’s in good shape and moving in a good direction.”

Mount is the most immediate concern heading into the weekend. The midfielder picked up a knock during pre-season and has already missed two friendlies. Carrick described his availability as “touch-and-go” but played down the severity of the setback.

“There’s no drama,” Carrick said. “It’s maybe been a week or 10 days or whatever it’s been, so it’s nothing major. He’s a top player — we saw that in the early stages of pre-season. He was one of our best players in the games he played in. We’re doing our best to help him stay fit.”

New goalkeeper signing Karl Darlow is in line to be included in the squad after training through the week. Carrick confirmed Darlow is “in good shape” following his arrival at the club.

United face Hull at home in their first Premier League fixture of the season on Saturday.