Manchester United return to action on Monday with renewed optimism after interim manager Michael Carrick welcomed Mason Mount back to the gym and saw Lisandro Martinez return to training ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League clash with Leeds United.
Carrick’s men have not played for more than three weeks since a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth but resume their campaign in third place in the table and are looking to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place, buoyed by improving squad availability as the season enters a crucial phase.
Mount played sparingly due to injury and was on the pitch for just a minute during the draw at Bournemouth.
“It’s great to have Mason back, to miss him so quickly after we came in and got together,” Carrick told reporters on Saturday.
«He’s obviously had almost two or three weeks to build up and find his rhythm, find his sharpness. I think his versatility is a big strength of his. He can play through the middle, he can play in midfield, he can play wide, and he can play so many different roles. We just have to give him time to get fit again and be patient with that, but he’s certainly in a good place now,» he added,
Carrick was undecided on the status of Martinez, who has not played since suffering a calf injury in early February.
«It’s just that call that we’re making. We wouldn’t be forced into anything,» he said.
“He’s back in training, which is great, and back on the grass. But we definitely have to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready,” Carrick added.
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United are third with 55 points, one point ahead of fourth-place Aston Villa, but six points ahead of fifth-place Liverpool.
Carrick has put in a spectacular performance since taking charge in January. He led United to 23 points from a possible 30 and restored calm after a turbulent first half of the season.
With just a few weeks to go and the battle for the five Champions League places heating up, United know there is little room for complacency.
Monday’s match also revives one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, with Carrick keen for his players to rise to the occasion.
«It’s been going on for a long time,» Carrick said. «I think that’s what the rivalry is for, for a very good reason, I think, to be a part of it, and the intensity, the emotion and the passion that goes into it. Obviously it has to be within the margins, but I think that’s part of the game that we love, taking on other teams… and battling it out on the pitch. So I think it’s something that we have to embrace.»
Leeds are 15th in the table.
Published on April 11, 2026
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