Shaw and Mount Handed Fitness Boost as Manchester United Prepare for Everton Test

Manchester United will head into Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton with renewed optimism on the injury front, as both Luke Shaw and Mason Mount look set to be available for selection. The timing couldn’t be better for head coach Michael Carrick, who has been forced to juggle a lengthy list of absentees since the start of the season.

Shaw’s Scare Appears to Be Minor

Concerns over Luke Shaw’s fitness surfaced after he was withdrawn in the second half of United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend, having complained of tightness in his leg. For a player with an extensive injury history, any muscular complaint tends to trigger caution, and reports in the days that followed suggested he could face a genuine fitness test before Sunday’s fixture, with some outlets even rating his chances of playing as low as 25 percent.

However, the picture brightened considerably as the week went on. Later reporting from sources close to the club indicated there is no lasting damage, and Shaw has continued to train with the group. Barring a late setback, he’s expected to line up at left-back as part of a settled back four alongside Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez, with Noussair Mazraoui waiting in the wings should Carrick decide not to risk him.

Mount Nearing First Appearance in Weeks

Mason Mount’s situation has followed a longer road back. The midfielder picked up a foot injury during pre-season and has been unable to feature since, missing United’s opening-day defeat to Hull City and last weekend’s victory over Ipswich. His continued absence had become a slight concern given how often his fitness has been disrupted in previous seasons.

Carrick offered a positive update earlier in the week, confirming that Mount had rejoined full training with the squad. “Mase is back around the group, which was great. Trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us,” the United boss said. While it remains unclear whether Mount will be handed a starting role or introduced from the bench, his return to full training alone represents a welcome development for a midfield that has needed reinforcements.

Other Injury News Around Old Trafford

Not every piece of team news is positive heading into the weekend. Summer signing Carlos Baleba remains out with an ankle injury and isn’t expected to return for a couple more weeks, a blow given the physicality he was brought in to add to the midfield. Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Amad Diallo (ankle) continue their own long-term recoveries and are not in contention.

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton and defender Matthijs de Ligt are also listed as doubts. De Ligt in particular is still working his way back up to full training intensity following a prolonged back issue, meaning his return to matchday squads may still be some way off.

What It Means for Sunday

United travel to Hill Dickinson Stadium looking to build on the momentum generated by their comprehensive win over Ipswich, having opened the season with a disappointing loss at Hull City. Kickoff is set for 14:00 GMT. With Shaw and Mount both trending toward availability, Carrick has slightly more flexibility in his selection than looked likely just a few days ago — a timely lift as United try to string together back-to-back league wins for the first time this campaign.

Everton, for their part, have had selection headaches of their own, reportedly working with a slim first-team squad heading into the fixture, which could work in United’s favor if the game opens up in the closing stages.