# Manchester United personnel and injury updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/manchester-united-personnel-and-injury-updates
> Updated: 2026-09-20T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 133. Developments: 2.

Manchester United is navigating personnel challenges involving injuries and contract negotiations. Early reports indicated that defender Matthijs de Ligt was nearing a return to training following rehabilitation, while contract talks with captain Bruno Fernandes had reached an impasse.

By late September, the club faced a match against Fulham following consecutive losses in the Premier League and Carabao Cup. While there were expectations for the return of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes to the lineup, Matthijs de Ligt remained sidelined with a long-term back injury. Benjamin Sesko was also noted as unavailable for selection.

On September 20, 2026, Manchester United, managed by Michael Carrick, faced Fulham at Craven Cottage under significant pressure following defeats to Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The match resulted in a 1-1 draw, preventing a third consecutive defeat in all competitions. Fulham took the lead in the 63rd minute after Lisandro Martinez inadvertently deflected a shot from Senne Lammens into his own net. Manchester United secured a late equalizer in the 89th minute through Matheus Cunha, whose deflected strike found the net after hitting defender David Affengruber and wrong-footing goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Following the match, Michael Carrick noted that while the result was disappointing, the team showed a ‘strong finishing mentality’. Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa criticized officiating decisions regarding a potential foul by Harry Maguire and expressed frustration at conceding the late equalizer. The result leaves Manchester United in 12th place with five points, while Fulham remains in 19th place with two points. Squad updates confirmed the return of Luke Shaw for United, while Benjamin Sesko remained absent due to a shin injury.

## Claims

- Manchester United and Fulham played to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Lisandro Martínez scored an own goal in the 63rd minute. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Matheus Cunha equalized for Fulham in the 89th minute. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Manchester United has 5 points after 5 Premier League matches. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Fulham has 2 points after 5 Premier League matches. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Manchester United and Fulham draw 1-1 in Premier League clash

Manchester United and Fulham drew 1-1 in the Premier League after Matheus Cunha scored a late equalizer following a Lisandro Martínez own goal.

130 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-faces-fulham-amid-injury-updates

### 2026-09-14: Manchester United faces injury returns and contract impasses

Manchester United faces key squad challenges as defender Matthijs de Ligt nears a return from injury and contract negotiations with captain Bruno Fernandes reach an impasse.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-faces-injury-returns-and-contract-impasses

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Cite as: Manchester United personnel and injury updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/manchester-united-personnel-and-injury-updates