United could receive a quadruple injury boost during Dublin training camp

Manchester Evening News · Steven Railston

Manchester United will visit Carton House for an 'intense training period', not a mid-season jolly, but there will be an opportunity for the players to relax, recharge and play a round or two of golf.

United have arranged a visit to the Republic of Ireland during the lengthy gap between Premier League games. United considered arranging a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia, but they will instead visit Ireland.

There are just seven matches remaining in the Premier League this season, and Michael Carrick will use the training camp for an extended spell with his squad to prepare for the run-in.

The facilities at Carton House are world-class, with its website reading: "As you step through the doors of our magnificent 5-star hotel, where the old and new blend seamlessly together, you are taking a step back in time to experience the lives of the Irish aristocracy who once resided here.

"The original period details of the manor house merge harmoniously with the contemporary luxury touches one would expect to find in a luxury resort, perfectly paired with a warm Irish welcome."

Real Madrid visited Carton House in 2009 for a training camp. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Raul were the star names on show. Newcastle and Burnley have also visited in recent years.

United's visit to Carton House has already made headlines because a Gaelic football team, Armagh, had to abandon their training camp at the facility after discovering it had been prepared for the Reds.

Armagh arrived at Carton House last week to find the pitches had been prepared for football rather than Gaelic football. They were forced to leave the retreat without staying a single night.

There will be more United-related headlines next week. Journalists have been invited to watch an open training session, and two players are due to speak to the media at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The open training session will confirm the latest injury news, and United fans could potentially receive good news on Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez.

Mbeumo was forced to withdraw from Cameroon's squad for the international break as a precaution after being substituted in the 71st minute of the draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The 26-year-old has suffered only one injury in his career, an ankle problem while playing for Brentford in December 2023, which suggests he'll be back training at Carton House after recovering from the minor knock.

Sesko had to withdraw from international duty with Slovenia to ensure he fully recovered from an issue United were carefully managing. The striker's injury does not sound serious, but a small break will have done him good.

Dorgu and Martinez are the biggest question marks. Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in United's impressive 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates in January, the same game in which he scored a rocket half-volley from the edge of the box.

The expectation was that Dorgu could be sidelined for around 10 weeks, which put return in the first week of April. United will travel to Carton House from Manchester Airport on April 6.

Dorgu returned to the Carrington gym at the end of last month, focusing on strength and conditioning under the supervision of coaches. It seems likely he will be available for selection against Leeds on April 13.

Martinez's situation is a tad more concerning given his injury history. He picked up an injury during preparations to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on February 23 and hasn't been seen since.

Matthijs de Ligt is a long-term injury absentee. The Dutchman was having an excellent season, but has not played since facing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on November 30.

De Ligt was initially set to be out for a game, however, his prolonged absence raises the question of whether he'll play again this season. It would be a surprise to see him training at Carton House.

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