Manchester United’s interim coach struck an upbeat tone as momentum grows ahead of Saturday’s Old Trafford test
Manchester United are set to take on Tottenham Hotspur, with interim head coach Michael Carrick providing an update on the fitness of Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt ahead of Saturday’s duel.
The Red Devils come into the weekend in buoyant spirits after three straight Premier League wins under Carrick, a run that has included victories over Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham.
Last Sunday’s dramatic 3–2 win against Fulham at Old Trafford capped a sequence that has transformed the mood around the squad and pushed United firmly into the top-four picture.
Those results, however, have come without De Ligt, who has not featured since late November after suffering a back injury.
Mount was also absent for the Fulham game after picking up a knock in training, halting his attempt to build rhythm following earlier setbacks.
Speaking at Carrington on Thursday, Carrick provided an update on both players, stressing that progress is being made but that Saturday arrives too soon.
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“Probably, Mason [will be available] sooner,” Carrick said. “He’s not too far away really. We’re hopeful it won’t be too long.
“Matta [De Ligt], he’s working his way back, taking good steps and improving. It’s a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won’t be too long [before De Ligt is back].”
Momentum builds despite ongoing injury concerns
Mount and De Ligt are not the only players unavailable. Patrick Dorgu remains sidelined after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 3–2 win away at Arsenal at the end of last month.
The defender is expected to be out for around nine weeks, limiting Carrick’s options during a demanding stretch of the season.
Even with those absences, United’s league position reflects Carrick’s immediate impact. The club sit fourth in the Premier League, holding a slender one-point advantage over Chelsea in fifth.
The turnaround has also earned Carrick individual recognition, with the interim boss nominated for Premier League Manager of the Month for January.
Saturday’s meeting with Tottenham carries added significance beyond league standings. United have not beaten Spurs in all competitions since October 2022, with three draws and five defeats since – including the Europa League final loss – a run that has become a lingering frustration.
A victory would not only end that sequence but also secure four consecutive league wins for the first time since February 2024, achieved under former manager Erik ten Hag.
