Manchester United Face Como Selection Problems Ahead of Champions League Trip
Manchester United head to Italy with a job to do and a squad that suddenly looks stretched. Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Como at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is a first competitive fixture between the clubs, but the main issue for Michael Carrick is not the occasion, it is the availability list.
United are trying to recover from their defeat to Atletico Madrid on matchday two of the league phase. That part is straightforward. The harder part is building a team when so many senior players are doubts or already ruled out.
Manchester United injury concerns grow
Tuesday morning’s training session at Carrington raised more questions than it answered. Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford were all absent, which immediately put the travelling squad under the spotlight.
Mainoo, Shaw and Heaven had already missed the 1-1 draw with Leeds. Martinez is a fresh concern after going off at half-time with a thigh problem, and Rashford’s situation has been managed carefully in recent days. Carrick said, “Marcus has been carrying a little bit of something so we’re managing him to a point.” That tells you enough. United are being cautious because they probably have to be.
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Champions League test against Como
There are other absentees too. Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte remain out as expected, while Tom Heaton also missed training. Leny Yoro is definitely unavailable after his red card in Madrid, which removes one option from defence before the team even lands in Italy.
So the arithmetic is simple. United could be without 10 senior players for a Champions League away match against a Como side coached by Cesc Fabregas. That leaves Carrick with decisions to make in defence, midfield and attack, and very little room for error.
Michael Carrick waiting on final decisions
Carrick is due to provide a fuller team news update later on Tuesday evening in Como. Until then, United’s preparation is defined by uncertainty. The fixture is historic, the setting is attractive, but the reality is harsher. Manchester United need points, and they may have to chase them with a weakened squad.