Michael Carrick says Noussair Mazraoui could return to Manchester United’s matchday group for Sunday’s trip to Leeds after resuming some training, offering the Reds another defensive option without confirming the full-back will start.

The update, reported by DevilPage and Tribuna, follows Mazraoui’s absence from United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham and 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid. He returned from Morocco duty with an injury, but Carrick indicated that the defender had begun training again and might be involved at Elland Road.

Leeds host United on Sunday, 18 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. Carrick’s update leaves Mazraoui’s availability short of certainty: he has trained a little, but the reports do not confirm his selection or suggest he is ready to start.

United’s availability picture for Leeds

Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte are reported to miss the fixture, while Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are doubts. Carrick has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez will be in the matchday squad, giving United a clearer picture of some defensive options even as decisions remain on other players.

The club’s wider injury situation has shaped preparations for the Leeds match, with Mazraoui’s possible return one part of a broader availability check. The prospect of having him back with the group matters, but it should not be mistaken for confirmation that he will feature on the pitch.

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In the source report, Carrick described United as having a somewhat stronger squad and said he hoped Mazraoui would be involved. The Moroccan’s return would add another option in defence after he missed two matches, but the manager’s update points to a possible squad role rather than a settled place in the starting XI.

De Ligt is progressing, but patience remains

Matthijs de Ligt is training at full workload and has recently returned to the substitutes’ bench after a prolonged back injury. Carrick’s update places him closer to a return, but does not establish when he will play again or whether he is ready to start.

The manager said De Ligt still needs more work and patience before he is back to full match condition. For the Leeds trip, the immediate selection question is whether Mazraoui’s limited training is enough for a place in the group; De Ligt’s progress remains a separate step in United’s defensive recovery.