Manchester United face key injury doubts ahead of Champions League tie and City derby

Manchester United will enter their first League Phase Champions League match with several senior players still on the sidelines. Luke Shaw missed Wednesday's training, receiving an extra recovery day, but Carrick emphasized the absence is not indicative of a serious issue. Matthijs de Ligt remains in a managed return program following a back injury sustained last November, though he has been training well.

Carrick indicated that rotation may be necessary against the Azerbaijan champions, potentially giving Benjamin Sesko his first start after overcoming a troublesome shin injury and nearing full fitness. Meanwhile, academy prospect Harry Amass was seen training at Carrington and could be in contention for the European tie. The injury list adds pressure ahead of United's high-profile derby with Manchester City later in the week.