Manchester United will be without forward Amad in their opening Premier League match against newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday, after the winger picked up a niggle during training at the end of the week, according to manager Michael Carrick. The Red Devils also confirmed that Mason Mount and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt will miss the trip, while striker Benjamin Sesko has returned to the squad and will be on the bench.
Carrick, who was appointed permanent head coach in May after a successful interim spell that saw United finish third in the Championship, said in a pre-match interview that Amad had "just picked up a niggle right at the end of the week, in training". He added that the club would "assess that and see where he’s at" and hoped the injury would not keep him out for long. Carrick also noted that Mount was "very close" to returning but that it was a "touch and go" situation for the weekend.
De Ligt, who underwent back surgery last season, remains out of action as he continues his recovery. Carrick praised the player’s progress, saying that he was training well and that it was a bonus to have him back in good shape, even though he would not be involved in the match.
United’s squad for the match at the MKM Stadium was announced as follows: Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw, Santos, Tielemans, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu, Cunha. The substitutes listed were Darlow, Dalot, Martinez, Rashford, Zirkzee, Yoro, Sesko, Lacey, Mainoo.
The game marks United’s return to the Premier League after a one-season stint in the Championship, where they finished third and won 12 of their 17 games under Carrick’s brief tenure. Hull City, on the other hand, are making their debut in the top flight after securing promotion as playoff winners.
Carrick expressed optimism about Sesko’s return, stating that the striker was back in training and that the team looked forward to having him available for the group stage. He also highlighted the importance of the match, noting that the home clash against Ipswich Town would take place the following Sunday.
The match is part of the new Premier League season, and United’s absence of key players such as Amad, Mount, and de Ligt will test the squad’s depth as they face a newly promoted side eager to establish themselves in the league.
