Man Utd XI vs Como: Carrick faces defensive crisis with 10 absent

Manchester United could be without as many as 10 senior players for Wednesday's Champions League match against Como, with Michael Carrick facing a selection headache in defence.

The side's poor form adds to the pressure, with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday making it six games without a win for United at Old Trafford.

Defensive Concerns Mount

Lisandro Martinez is a doubt after being forced off at half-time in the Leeds draw due to a thigh injury. The Argentine international started the 'Roses derby' but did not appear after the break.

Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Ayden Heaven all missed the squad for the Leeds match. Marcus Rashford was named on the bench but did not play, and he joined Martinez and the other absentees in missing open training on Tuesday morning.

Long-term absentees Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte were also missing, as was third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Leny Yoro is suspended following his dismissal in the 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Likely Replacements and Formation

Noussair Mazraoui is expected to replace Yoro, but Harry Maguire's central defensive partner is harder to predict. If Martinez is unavailable, Matthijs de Ligt is the only other senior option, though he has not played competitively for United in nearly a year.

Carrick experimented with no clear number nine against Leeds, finding some joy in the first half but little going forward in the second. A focal point is expected up front against Como.

With Rashford a doubt, Carrick could stick with the same front three that started at Elland Road, though Matheus Cunha is pushing for a start and may replace Amad Diallo. This would see Bruno Fernandes continue in a false nine role, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba starting together in midfield for a third successive game.