Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said he is looking forward to tonight's Champions League clash with AS Roma, but recent results offer little grounds for optimism. United have not won since the Sabah FK match on September 10, leaving Carrick on the brink of losing his job unless he can turn things around this week.
Defensive decisions and Martinez's role
Patrick Dorgu returned to training on Monday, but Carrick confirmed he would not play tonight, forcing a decision in defence. Diogo Dalot is likely to keep his spot at left-back, with Leny Yoro on the right.
Lisandro Martinez is available to face Roma after his red card on Saturday and, given he will not feature against Aston Villa on Sunday, it seems likely he will keep his place. Carrick still sees the Argentinian defender as key to his plans.
Midfield and attack shape
Kobbie Mainoo joined Carrick for his press conference on Monday, often a hint that the player will feature in the upcoming game. Mainoo alongside Carlos Baleba has the makings of a solid midfield partnership, and tonight feels like the time to unleash it.
Ahead of them will be Bruno Fernandes, who put in a good performance at Stamford Bridge even if it did not return a result. He has to stay in the No.10 role.
Forward line and predicted XI
Marcus Rashford is edging towards a return but remains out for this one, meaning Matheus Cunha stays on the left flank. Amad will likely continue on the right, even though Shea Lacey continues to push the forward for a start.
Leading the line has to be Bryan Mbeumo, though, as against Chelsea, there could be some fluidity to the Reds' attack.
United predicted XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Baleba, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
