Carrick makes three new additions to Man Utd’s travelling squad amid triple injury concern

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt joined his teammates on the flight to Spain ahead of the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils are coming off a disappointing draw against 10-man Tottenham in Saturday’s Premier League action, leaving them 13th in the table.

With the pressure mounting on Michael Carrick, the team needs a positive result in Europe to avoid a full-blown crisis.

Matthijs de Ligt & Harry Amass added to Man Utd squad

Matthijs de Ligt (Photo via club media)

Earlier in the day, it was revealed that Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are doubtful for the trip to the Spanish capital.

Moreover, The Sun’s Man Utd reporter Katherine Walsh revealed that Andrey Santos left Carrington early on Monday, so it remains unclear whether he’ll link up with his teammates in Madrid or not.

While the club decided to conceal the squad list, Carrick will hold a pre-match conference on Monday evening after landing in Spain, which should shed some light on the injury situation.

But in the meantime, The Sun’s correspondent Samuel Luckhurst revealed that De Ligt has been added to the travelling party.

The same goes for Harry Amass, as Carrick may find himself without his three main options at left-back should Shaw succumb to injury, as Patric Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are also out.

Moreover, 18-year-old Scottish defender Dan Armer has also been selected to boost the numbers. The Man Utd U21 defender originally plays at centre-back, but he’s also capable of filling in at left-back.

What to make of Amass, Armer & De Ligt’s additions?

(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Before suffering a back injury in November 2025, De Ligt was arguably the club’s most consistent defender. Therefore, the Dutchman’s return should spell great news for the under-fire Carrick, especially amidst Lisandro Martinez’s recent struggles.

As for Amass and Armer, their inclusions suggest that Shaw is indeed injured, or at least in serious doubt for the Champions League clash.

The MUFC officials must have realised by now the scale of the mistake they committed in the summer by failing to add a reliable left-back to the squad.

Shaw’s physical struggles are hardly surprising based on his career path, and the problem has been compounded by Marazoui and Dorgu’s absences.