Sesko returns to training as Ugarte faces long-term absence ahead of United's Premier League opener

Benjamin Sesko and Karl Darlow have both returned to training at Carrington this week, giving Manchester United manager Michael Carrick a timely boost ahead of the club’s 2026/27 Premier League opener against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday. Manuel Ugarte, however, remains the squad’s sole confirmed long-term absentee after undergoing knee ligament surgery.

Sesko missed the entirety of United’s pre-season, including last week’s 4-2 friendly defeat to Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, after a shin injury cut short his debut campaign in early May. The striker had played through the problem for much of last season before aggravating it during United’s win over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Carrick confirmed at his Thursday press conference that the forward is now back with the group: “Ben is back training, so that’s another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.”

Darlow, signed during the summer, has yet to make his United debut after having surgery at the end of last season. The goalkeeper — who played for Leeds United through to the expiry of his contract and represented Wales in early June — has also returned to the training pitch. “Karl has trained this week. He’s back training, so he’s in good shape,” Carrick said. His return eases a goalkeeping situation that had seen Dermot Mee deputise for Senne Lammens, with Radek Vitek having departed for Middlesbrough and Tom Heaton also sidelined.

Ugarte’s situation is considerably more serious. The Uruguayan midfielder sustained a knee ligament injury while representing his country at this summer’s World Cup and subsequently underwent an operation. United confirmed the surgery was successful, stating that he “will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club’s medical and performance staff.” Ugarte addressed his supporters directly: “I’m incredibly grateful to Uruguay and Man Utd for being there for me from the moment it happened. A huge thank you as well to my family, my friends, and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time. I’ll be back stronger.”

Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt were also absent for the Milan friendly, though Carrick did not provide specific timelines for either player ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull.