Manchester United return to Old Trafford tonight as Brighton & Hove Albion arrive for a Carabao Cup third-round showdown, and Michael Carrick is expected to make several changes to his starting XI. The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 16.
After Sunday’s disappointing Manchester derby defeat, Carrick has the opportunity to rotate his squad and give several players a chance to impress. United are also dealing with a number of absences, including Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt and Tom Heaton.
🚨 The big question is Luke Shaw.
The England international is close to returning after missing the derby with muscle tightness, but reports indicate that his availability remains uncertain.
🧤 GOALKEEPER: KARL DARLOW
Senne Lammens has started United’s early league fixtures, but Darlow could get the nod between the posts as Carrick rotates his squad for the cup.
🛡️ DEFENCE: MAZRAOUI, YORO, HEAVEN & SHAW
Noussair Mazraoui could replace Diogo Dalot at right-back, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are candidates to start in central defence.
Shaw could return at left-back if he is deemed fit enough, although his fitness will be assessed before kick-off.
⚙️ MIDFIELD: ANDREY SANTOS & YOURI TIELEMANS
Andrey Santos could be handed an opportunity in midfield, while Youri Tielemans has emerged as one of Carrick’s preferred midfield options.
Kobbie Mainoo is another possibility, especially with United managing a busy schedule.
🎯 ATTACKING MIDFIELD: MBEUMO, BRUNO & DORGU
Bruno Fernandes is expected to continue in the No.10 role, while Bryan Mbeumo could start on the right because of Amad’s injury.
Patrick Dorgu could be pushed higher up the pitch on the left, giving Rashford a chance to rest.
🚀 STRIKER: BENJAMIN SESKO
Benjamin Sesko is reportedly in line to start ahead of Matheus Cunha, giving the summer signing another opportunity to make his mark in a United shirt.
Joshua Zirkzee could provide an option from the bench.
🔥 PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED XI
Darlow
Mazraoui — Yoro — Heaven — Shaw
Santos — Tielemans
Mbeumo — Fernandes — Dorgu
Sesko
Brighton will not be an easy opponent. The Seagulls arrive at Old Trafford after a huge 5-0 victory over Coventry City, while they have also won four of their last five visits to United in all competitions.
United therefore have plenty to prove tonight. 👀🔥
With the Carabao Cup offering another route to silverware, Carrick’s squad rotation could give some fringe players the perfect stage to force their way into his Premier League plans.
Old Trafford under the lights. Brighton standing in the way. New faces looking for their chance. 🔴🔥
Tonight could be a very interesting one for Manchester United. 👹⚽
For United’s Brighton match
Explain what the rotation means
Compare the midfield options
