INTERNATIONAL

Rashford & Mainoo injury blow as Ajayi signs pro deal and Ratcliffe faces fresh scrutiny

📅 September 27, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 4

Form & latest results

The Red Devils go into the September international break in disappointing form. Michael Carrick's side have managed just two wins from seven games across all competitions this 2026/27 campaign. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw at Fulham on 20 September, where Matheus Cunha grabbed a last-gasp equaliser after Lisandro Martínez gifted the home side a comical own goal. Before that, United lost back-to-back home games against Manchester City and Brighton — the Brighton defeat also ending their Carabao Cup campaign after they surrendered a 2-0 lead. The one bright moment this month was a commanding 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah FK on 10 September, United's first European outing in nearly three years.

Injury update

The club's medical department faces a nervous wait on two key players. Marcus Rashford was substituted at Craven Cottage in the 77th minute, and reports from The Athletic indicate he is carrying an ongoing hip problem that dates back to the World Cup. Both he and Kobbie Mainoo — who was also withdrawn early against Fulham — are expected to miss England's international fixtures and stay in Manchester to recover. Boss Michael Carrick confirmed after the Fulham draw that Rashford had picked up a knock. The hope is that both players will be fit enough to face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on 10 October. Benjamin Šeško was also absent from the Fulham squad entirely, adding further concern to Carrick's attacking options.

Player of the Month & youth news

Despite the difficult start to the season, Kobbie Mainoo has been named Manchester United's Player of the Month for September in a landslide vote by supporters — a nod to his consistent quality even as those around him have struggled. Meanwhile, the club celebrated some positive news off the pitch as 17-year-old forward Noah Ajayi signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford. United flooded social media with the announcement, giving a clear indication of how highly rated the young winger is at the club's Carrington training base. Joshua Zirkzee has also been called up to the Netherlands international squad during the break.

Manager's position

Off the field, owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to face questions about the club's direction, with commentary suggesting his challenges at Old Trafford go well beyond football matters. Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim earlier in 2026, is under pressure to turn United's form around when the Premier League resumes.

Transfer talk

(Rumour) The signing of teenage forward Noah Ajayi on a long-term professional deal has fuelled speculation that Marcus Rashford's days at Old Trafford may be numbered, with one opinion piece describing it as a move that could spell the end of the senior winger's time at the club. Rashford, who returned to United after Barcelona opted not to trigger his £26 million purchase option following a productive loan spell, is reported to be surplus to requirements in the long run as Ratcliffe looks to trim the wage bill. United are also said to be plotting a January move to address what is seen as a regrettable summer decision in midfield, with a Spanish target described internally as a potential solution reportedly on the club's radar — though no formal approach is believed to have been made. (These are rumours and unconfirmed by the club.)

Sources

Share on Facebook WhatsApp X