Michael Carrick must identify the ideal replacement for Harry Maguire ahead of the game between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday.
Manchester United will aim to return to winning ways when they welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford on Monday night. Michael Carrick has a new roster issue to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Harry Maguire will serve a suspension after being sent off in the Premier League game against Bournemouth. The English international accompanies Matthijs de Ligt (lower back) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) on the sidelines, although the latter has resumed individual work to return to action in the coming weeks.
However, Lisandro Martinez (calf), Diogo Dalot (illness), Bryan Mbeumo (muscular), and Benjamin Sesko (knock) should be fit and available to take on Leeds United after recovering from their fitness issues. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Carrick answered questions on who would replace Maguire in the starting lineup. He also provided a fitness update on de Ligt.
The Manchester United head coach said, “It’s just that call we make. We wouldn’t be pushed into anything. It’s important that the boys are ready, as important as the next game always is, the most important is always the bigger picture. So, that’s a decision that we’ll take. He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we’ve certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready.”
“Treatment and rehab [will be Matthijs de Ligt’s current load]. The reason he didn’t come [to Ireland] is he’s not quite on the grass. Patrick came back because he’s further on, but Matta isn’t quite at this stage yet. So it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There’s nothing else around it.”
Meanwhile, during his press conference, Carrick discussed Mason Mount’s progress during the long break between matches for Manchester United. The English tactician said, “It’s great to have Mason back, to miss him so quickly after we came in and came together. So, he’s obviously had what, nearly two, three weeks of building up and finding his rhythm, finding his sharpness. So yeah, it’s great to have him back.”
Senne Lammens is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Manchester United lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Leeds United on Monday. The backline will feature Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot, with Bruno Fernandes reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Benjamin Sesko will lead the line for the home side against Leeds United, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo being the two wide attackers. So, Amad Diallo will be a backup option on the bench for the Red Devils.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
