Shaw and Mainoo ruled out as injury-hit United travel to Atletico Madrid

Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo will miss Manchester United’s Champions League last-16 tie at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano after both picked up knocks during Saturday’s Premier League draw with Tottenham, manager Michael Carrick confirmed on Monday.

Neither player was seen in training at Carrington before the squad departed for the Spanish capital. “Luke and Kobbie had issues in the game on Saturday, so we’re kind of working through that to see what that looks like,” Carrick said. “At the moment, they’re not ready for the game tomorrow.”

Shaw’s absence creates a particular headache at left-back, with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu also sidelined after picking up injuries on international duty. Striker Benjamin Sesko remains out too, with Carrick declining to put a timeframe on the Slovenian’s return as the club manages what he described as a problematic shin injury.

Despite the mounting absentees, Carrick insisted United are not short of numbers. Academy graduate Dan Armer, 18, has been included in the travelling squad and is set for a place on the bench, while centre-back Matthijs de Ligt could feature in a matchday squad for the first time since November 2025 after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“It’s good to have Matta back in and around it,” Carrick said. “He’s been out for a long period of time. He’s worked so hard to get to this stage — he’s had a long journey, so we’re delighted to have him back. I’m definitely comfortable with him playing. It’s just a case of when that time is and how much it is.”

On the positive side, Carrick moved to ease concerns surrounding captain Bruno Fernandes, who had required fitness tests before both the Manchester City and Fulham matches prior to the international break. Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus had suggested the 32-year-old was playing through the pain barrier for his club, and Fernandes needed treatment again during the Tottenham draw. Carrick, however, said there was no concern over his availability heading into a demanding run of fixtures.