Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing weekend as they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with manager Michael Carrick expected to make widespread changes to his starting lineup.
The Red Devils go into the fixture off the back of a 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford, a result decided by a contentious Erling Haaland goal that many felt should have been ruled out. With a trip to Fulham looming this weekend before the international break, Carrick is expected to use the cup tie as an opportunity to freshen up his side.
In defense, there is some encouraging news for United. Luke Shaw, who missed the City game with muscle tightness, is reportedly close to a return and could feature against the Seagulls, even if only for a limited number of minutes. Patrick Dorgu, who deputized at left-back in Shaw's absence, may instead be deployed further forward as a winger in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 setup, offering Marcus Rashford a rest.
Matthijs de Ligt is also nearing a comeback after being sidelined since November of last year with a back issue. His return would be a significant boost for a United backline that has looked vulnerable at times this season. For the cup tie itself, however, Carrick could opt to rest his usual central defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, giving Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven a chance to impress.
Between the posts, Karl Darlow is tipped to replace Senne Lammens, while at right-back, Noussair Mazraoui may come in for Diogo Dalot following a difficult outing against City. On the opposite side, with Amad Diallo out through an ankle injury, Bryan Mbeumo could be handed a start on the right flank, with youngster Shea Lacey also in contention for a role.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans have been Carrick's preferred double pivot, but Andrey Santos may be given an opportunity to feature. Carlos Baleba remains unavailable due to his own ankle problem. Bruno Fernandes looks set to continue in his usual No. 10 role, though Mason Mount, who was an unused substitute in the derby, provides an alternative option in that position.
Up front, Benjamin Sesko could be preferred over Matheus Cunha to lead the line, with Joshua Zirkzee likely to remain among the substitutes.
Based on the expected changes, United's predicted lineup reads: Darlow; Mazraoui, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko.
Alongside Baleba and Amad, United will also be without Ugarte and De Ligt for this match, while Heaton remains sidelined as well. Shaw's involvement remains a doubt despite his progress in training.
The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 16, at Old Trafford, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.