Will Manchester United sign a new center-back in the summer window? Carrick responds! Two players return but De Ligt may still be out.

Manchester United center-back Lenny Yoro and left-wing Patrick Doku resumed full team training over the weekend. Yoro is likely to play against Brentford, but Doku, who has been out of action for a long time, may only return at the beginning of next month against Liverpool. Compared to them, center-back Matthijs de Ligt, although back outdoors for individual training, remains far from a true return.

English media confirms that De Ligt faces a significant challenge to return this season, as United's season lasts less than a month, with the final match away at Brighton on May 24. The 26-year-old Dutch center-back has been injured since November 30; his back issue has recurred, yet he has not opted for surgery.

Carrick refuses to guarantee De Ligt's future, as he himself hasn't been confirmed as permanent manager; United will decide at the end of the season. Carrick explained: "We only hope Matthijs (De Ligt) recovers as soon as possible. I think for any player, being absent from matches and unable to train is a difficult period. It might be one of the hardest processes a professional player experiences. Obviously, we are helping him through it, supporting him, and trying to get him back quickly.

Carrick added: "Matthijs is working hard to regain fitness; he has already done some training on the grass, which is progress. But I don't have much else to say; it's just a normal injury, he is undergoing rehabilitation, striving to recover. So we hope he can return soon; regarding that, I have nothing more to add. He is back on the training ground now, albeit with limited workload, but he is working towards the goal. That's good news, and we all hope things continue in the right direction."

In United's remaining five matches, the team doesn't urgently need De Ligt, so Carrick stresses they won't rush him. "I certainly hope he gets a chance (to play), but I won't put any pressure on him or set any deadlines," Carrick said. "Playing is what both he and we are striving for. Hopefully, everything goes well, but we won't rush his return. He needs to come back at the right time, when he is ready."

The injuries of De Ligt and Lisandro Martínez, along with the age of Yoro and Eden Haven, have led to rumors that United might sign a new center-back in summer; Tottenham's Van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Bournemouth's Senesi have been mentioned. But Carrick insists a center-back is not United's primary target in the transfer window.

The 33-year-old Maguire renewed his contract early this month; Lisandro's contract expires next year, but the club has a one-year extension option. In numbers, United's five center-backs seem sufficient, but each has issues. For instance, the 28-year-old Lisandro is at his peak but plagued by injuries, starting only 91 matches in the past four seasons. Moreover, his height and style make him prone to red and yellow card crises; currently, the Argentine international is suspended for three matches due to a controversial red card.

Regarding this, Carrick stated: "Currently, this is not an issue I am focusing on. Given the current situation and timeline, discussing summer and beyond, I really cannot elaborate. Lisandro (Martínez) is absent for various reasons now; we don't need to detail them, but I understand why you ask."

The Red Devils' manager continued: "But I am not worried. I think United has both experienced defenders and excellent players, as well as youngsters. I firmly believe they have talent; those two promising young center-backs have already proven their ability. Eden (Haven) performed quite well last week in such a tough match."

Carrick concluded: "I am not worried, but I cannot comment on the future, because I myself am uncertain about what the future holds! Talking about summer and beyond, it's hard for me to sit here and make judgments or comments."