Noussair Mazraoui could return to Manchester United’s squad for Sunday’s trip to Leeds after doing some training with the group, giving Michael Carrick hope of another defensive option at Elland Road.
Carrick has not confirmed the full-back’s involvement, and he still has fitness decisions to make elsewhere. Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo remain doubts, while United have ruled out Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte.
Hero photo: Elland Road East Stand on 12 July 2025. Archive venue photograph, not matchday. Photo: Mtaylor848 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
Noussair Mazraoui takes a step towards returning
United’s official Friday update says Noussair Mazraoui has not featured since the international break. He missed the draw with Tottenham and the midweek defeat at Atletico Madrid after Morocco substituted him following an apparent injury during the match against Lesotho.
“Hopefully, we’ve got Nous back involved with us,” Carrick said in his pre-match interview. “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.”
That is encouragement rather than a team announcement. Noussair Mazraoui may give Carrick more choice, but the manager has not said that the defender will start or complete the game.
Decisions extend beyond Noussair Mazraoui
While Noussair Mazraoui has made progress, Carrick said in the club’s wider team-news briefing that United would “see on Luke and Kobbie” after the pair missed the Champions League trip. Sesko is still undergoing checks, and United have not set a return timeline.
Leny Yoro is eligible for the Leeds game because his red-card suspension applies to European competition. Lisandro Martinez is also confirmed as part of the squad, although neither player’s availability settles Carrick’s starting defensive line.
De Ligt needs patience as Leeds approaches
Matthijs de Ligt was back on the bench in Madrid, another step in his recovery after a long absence. Carrick welcomed having him around the group but stressed the need for patience while United work on getting him up to speed.
Noussair Mazraoui is one of United’s improving options, although Carrick still faces unresolved fitness questions. Sunday’s fixture is a 2pm UK kick-off at Elland Road; confirmation of the matchday squad and starting side will provide the next firm answers, rather than assumptions based on a return to training.
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