Predicted Man Utd XI to face Como, Michael Carrick must overcome injury struggles

Manchester United are back on the road in Europe with a Champions League tie against Como next on the agenda for Michael Carrick’s side.

It’s been over a month since Manchester United last won a football match. That came in the Champions League with a 4-0 victory over FK Sabah.

Inevitably, the pressure is on Michael Carrick to turn things around, as he did last season when the Reds picked up a healthy habit of winning games as interim manager in January. United have won just two of their first 10 matches across all competitions, and lost their most recent Champions League outing 2-0 against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Seven United players missed training on Tuesday morning before the squad travelled to Italy, where they will face Como at 5.45pm on Wednesday. Those setbacks will likely influence Carrick’s team selection when he faces Cesc Fabregas on the touchline for the first time.

Remember: Leny Yoro is suspended

We can expect changes in defence now that Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out with an injury he sustained during United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds on Sunday. The same applies to Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, after missing the trip to Elland Road with an injury.

Here’s the United In Focus’ predicted line-up for United’s trip to Como:

Senne Lammens: Looking for his second clean sheet in the Champions League this season, the young Belgian stopper must prepare for another game with a changed back four. It can’t be easy, but there’s no reason to lose faith in Lammens.

Diogo Dalot: Guilty of more shocking defending at the weekend in United’s draw against Leeds, it’s hard to deny that Dalot is back to his worst. That said, he’s not the only United defender who has come under strong criticism.

Harry Maguire: Carrick needs a big performance from Maguire, especially if De Ligt is to make his first start in 11 months. He will have to lead from the back.

Matthijs de Ligt: Carrick hasn’t got many other options at centre-back, but De Ligt is a defender with pedigree and plenty of experience in the Champions League. It will be a boost to have him back, but it will take time for him to reach full match sharpness.

Noussair Mazraoui: Among the changes to the back four will be at left-back. Carrick has to decide between Mazraoui and Harry Amass, but he’ll likely opt for the Moroccan, considering he hasn’t given the academy graduate a single start this season.

Andrey Santos: The new signing is finally getting a run in the team and spoke well alongside Carrick at the pre-match press conference. It will take him time to adapt, but a standout performance against Como would serve him well.

Carlos Baleba: It will be Baleba’s third start since joining United in the summer. Hopefully, it’s a commanding performance because losing the midfield battle could have big consequences.

Amad Diallo: The Ivorian winger is looking for his first goal of the season. It will be his fourth appearance since returning from an injury he sustained before the 2026/27 Premier League opener against Hull.

Bruno Fernandes: Switched from a wide position to his preferred central role to give Youri Tielemans a rest. The Portuguese Magnifico could do with a goal.

Matheus Cunha: It could be Cunha’s first start for United since the 1-1 draw against Tottenham earlier this month. The Brazilian is at his best attacking from the left.

Bryan Mbeumo: The Cameroon international has led the attack since Benjamin Sesko’s latest injury setback. He will be looking to add to his tally of four goals.