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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has delivered the crucial team news ahead of the opening Premier League game of the 2026-27 season. The Red Devils will travel to the MKM Stadium on Saturday to face Hull City, with Carrick already facing several important selection calls. The United head coach provided updates on Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Sesko, Karl Darlow and Mason Mount ahead of the highly anticipated opener. He said (via Manchester United): “Yeah, Karl’s trained this week. “He’s back training, so he’s in good shape. Matta’s obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and it’s great to have him back. “He won’t be involved, but he’s in good shape and moving in a good direction, so that’s a good bonus for us really, at this stage, to have him back. “Ben’s back training, so that’s, again, another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well. “And then [we’re] managing Mason a little bit, but he’s very close, so it’s touch and go for the weekend, really, if not, going into next week.” De Ligt underwent back surgery in May and is now expected to miss the opening few games of the campaign. His absence comes as little surprise, leaving Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven in pole position to form the centre-back pairing against Hull. Mount started United’s first four pre-season games before suffering a knock against Paris Saint-Germain. The midfielder was withdrawn in the first half and subsequently missed the friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan. Carrick could hand two summer recruits, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, their competitive debuts in the heart of midfield. His comments suggest that Mount may not be fit for the opening league encounter. However, the potential return of Benjamin Sesko is a major boost for United. The £66.3 million signing has recovered from his shin injury but still needs to rebuild his match fitness. United could ease him back into action by introducing him from the bench during the second half. Bryan Mbeumo looks poised to spearhead the attack, with Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu potentially providing support from the flanks. Carrick will be desperate for his side to make a winning start and avoid putting themselves under unnecessary pressure at the very beginning of the new campaign. Stats from Transfermarkt.com