Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure at Manchester United, with the club’s disastrous start to the season showing little sign of improvement.

After making a fantastic impression when he arrived as interim manager in January, Carrick has endured a difficult beginning to his first full campaign.

United have won just two of their opening nine matches across all competitions, leaving the manager desperately searching for a change in fortunes.

Injuries are no excuse for those results, but they have undoubtedly complicated matters at Old Trafford.

Ahead of Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid, Carrick confirmed that Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo had suffered fresh injury setbacks during the draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are also unavailable, leaving United’s squad stretched ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leeds United.

There are still doubts over Shaw and Mainoo, although Carrick has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez remains part of his plans despite the defender’s recent criticism of the club’s hierarchy.

However, there is finally some welcome news from the treatment room, with the United boss confirming a potentially important return ahead of the trip to Elland Road.

Michael Carrick confirms injury boost

Speaking during his official pre-match preparations for Sunday’s clash with Leeds, Carrick revealed that Noussair Mazraoui is closing in on a return to the Manchester United squad.

The Moroccan defender has been sidelined since suffering an apparent injury during his country’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in September.

He subsequently missed United’s draw against Tottenham and their Champions League defeat in Madrid.

However, Carrick has now confirmed that Mazraoui has resumed some training and could be involved at Elland Road.

“Yeah, it’s a little bit stronger,” Carrick said when asked about his squad.

“Hopefully, we’ve got Nous back involved with us.

“He’s done a little bit of training, so he’ll be back around the group, which is a good step in the right direction for us.”

The manager also provided encouragement regarding Matthijs de Ligt, who returned to the bench against Atletico Madrid after a lengthy absence.

While the Dutchman’s fitness continues to be managed carefully, Carrick expressed his delight at having him back around the first-team squad.

With United facing Leeds on Sunday before travelling to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, the potential return of Mazraoui offers Carrick a timely defensive boost.