Manchester United are facing a possible selection crisis ahead of their Champions League match against Como on Wednesday evening, with as many as 10 senior players potentially unavailable for the trip to Italy.
Under-fire manager Michael Carrick is already dealing with a run of poor form, and the squad has been hit by a series of injuries and suspensions ahead of matchday three of the league phase.
United drew 1-1 with Leeds on Sunday, extending their winless run to six matches and increasing the pressure on Carrick.
Defeat in Madrid and injury concerns
United's last European outing ended in a 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, during which Leny Yoro was sent off and Lisandro Martinez criticised technical director Jason Wilcox in his post-match interview.
Despite that outburst, Martinez started against Leeds but was forced off at half-time with a thigh injury, leaving him doubtful for the Como game.
Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven all missed the Leeds draw, while Marcus Rashford was an unused substitute. Rashford, along with the other three and Martinez, also missed open training on Tuesday morning.
Long-term absentees and suspension
Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte remain long-term absentees, while third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton also did not train.
Yoro is suspended for the match and is likely to be replaced by Noussair Mazraoui. If Martinez is ruled out, Matthijs de Ligt is the only other senior central defensive option, although he has not played competitively for United in nearly a year.
Predicted lineup and key decisions
Carrick experimented without a recognised number nine against Leeds and saw some promise in the first half, but the side created little in the second period, so a focal point up front is expected against Como.
With Rashford carrying a knock, Carrick may keep the same front three that started at Elland Road, though Matheus Cunha is pushing for a start and could replace Amad Diallo. That would see Bruno Fernandes continue in a false nine role, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba forming the midfield for a third consecutive game.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt, Dalot, Baleba, Tielemans, Santos, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha.
Injured: Sesko, Dorgu, Ugarte, Heaton. Doubts: Rashford, Martinez, Mainoo, Shaw, Heaven. Suspended: Yoro.
The match takes place at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with kick-off at 5.45pm BST on Wednesday October 21, 2026, and will be broadcast on TNT Sports.
