Manchester United Injury Updates: Amad Diallo and Carlos Baleba

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Manchester United will again be without Amad Diallo for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, but there is better news elsewhere in his squad.

The United head coach, speaking before the club’s first home game of the season, revealed that Mason Mount is back in full training with the group and edging closer to a return to action.

Baleba excitement checked by ankle setback

Carrick spoke with real enthusiasm about new signing Carlos Baleba, even as he ruled the midfielder out for the next few weeks.

“We're delighted with Carlos. [He has] massive potential. I think it's a really exciting signing for us,” Carrick said, underlining the club’s belief in the 20-year-old. “I think the quality that he has, the attributes that he has, that offsets a little bit of the balance of the group that we've got.”

That excitement is on hold for now. Baleba has picked up what Carrick described as a “little ankle issue,” enough to sideline him temporarily but not something United expect to linger.

“It's no major issue,” Carrick stressed, with the expectation that the midfielder will be back in the coming weeks rather than months.

Both Baleba and Amad could return before next month’s international break, but Carrick refused to circle any dates on the calendar, preferring not to promise what he cannot guarantee.

Academy talents on the rise

Carrick also used his press conference to shine a light on United’s academy, where two young prospects are pushing closer to the first-team picture.

On highly rated youngster JJ Gabriel, Carrick made it clear the teenager is already viewed as part of the inner circle.

“JJ is one of the boys. He's obviously got a really big talent,” he said. “He's trained with us quite a bit. He's getting experience all the time. He's physically adapting to each step that he makes, and just continuing his development.”

Harry Amass, another academy product whose long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, has also caught Carrick’s eye.

“I've been really pleased with Harry,” Carrick said. “I think he had a really good season that didn't finish so good with the injury, but it's been great to have him around pre-season. He's done really well. So, let's see what happens.”

For both youngsters, the message was clear: they are close, they are trusted, but their next steps will be judged carefully.

Ipswich test after early setback

Attention now turns to Sunday and a meeting with an Ipswich side arriving in Manchester with confidence after a “big result” last weekend, as Carrick put it.

United head into their Old Trafford opener still stinging from an early setback in their campaign. Carrick did not hide from that, nor from the expectation that his side must respond.

“The first home game of the season is really one we look forward to, and the supporters coming,” he said. “I think we had a setback last week, and you want to get back to playing well and winning football matches.”

Ipswich, buoyed by their own start, will not roll over. Carrick expects exactly the kind of test that can either deepen early-season frustration or ignite United’s year.

“It is a tough game, Ipswich obviously had a big result last week as well. It'll be another challenge for us,” he said.

A bruised heavyweight at home. A confident challenger on the rise. Old Trafford will quickly reveal which story gathers pace.