Michael Carrick will be looking to break his nine-match streak without a win—their longest in modern history—but in his way is a well-drilled AS Roma side who are yet to lose a single match in Serie A this season, whilst their only loss in all competitions came in a 4-3 thriller against European behemoths Real Madrid.
United have had a characteristically poor start this season—it seems every year United slump to a new low—winning just 2 matches in all competitions as they sit 17th in the Premier League, balancing on a knife edge above relegation.
A spirited first-half performance against Chelsea showed the world that the talent and desire is there, but a disastrous second-half saw United down 2-0 within 20 minutes of the restart, once again exposing their soft underbelly.
The return of Kobbie Mainoo to the starting lineup may fill some United fans with joy, but it is clear that Carrick will have to be ruthless in his decision-making, or we will be in for a very long night, yet again.
GK - Senne Lammens
There is little doubt that Senne Lammens has struggled to recapture the form he showed last season. Nevertheless, the Belgian remains comfortably the best goalkeeper in United's ranks, producing occasional moments of brilliance that have kept his side in matches when they might otherwise have slipped away.
RB - Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro filling in on the right flank has been a strange experiment so far, but the French centre-half has filled in when needed and is starting to look more comfortable. With Diogo Dalot expected on the left side, Yoro is the next best option.
CB - Harry Maguire
While he has been by no means as good as he was last season, Maguire is still Carrick’s number one dependable player, and it would be a shock to see him dropped from the side.
CB - Ayden Heaven
Perhaps the first real surprise in the XI, but the time has come for United to move on from Lisandro Martinez. The Butcher has had his moments as a servant to the club, but a persistent injury record and growing defensive uncertainties have increasingly made him a liability at the back. Saturday's dismissal, when he received two yellow cards in the space of just two minutes, was another example of the problems he can bring. United should be looking towards Ayden Heaven, who, at just 20, possesses an exceptionally high ceiling and represents a far more exciting long-term prospect.
LB - Diogo Dalot
Is Dalot the best full-back at United? No. Is he a dependable option? To an extent. One of the most scrutinised players in the squad, the Portuguese is rarely going to produce a world-class performance, but his reliability and availability make him a regular fixture in the side. There may be a case for moving him on in the summer, but for now, he remains one of the best options United have. With Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu still sidelined, a first start of the season for Harry Amass also appears unlikely, leaving Dalot as the more experienced and dependable choice.
CM - Carlos Baleba
Despite Baleba still not seeing his first win in red, it is likely that he will start tonight, with the Cameroonian already proving to be one of the best midfielders at the club. Fans will be hoping to see him paired alongside Mainoo, with the two yet to start together.
CM - Kobbie Mainoo
A frustrating last month for Mainoo, as he has mainly watched on from the sidelines as he has nursed an injury back to health. Now hopefully in the midst of 100% match fitness, he can partner his newly signed teammate as Carrick continues to look for his first-team midfield pairing.
RW - Amad Diallo
Whilst he has been lacklustre in front of goal this season, Amad Diallo showed against Chelsea that he has a point to prove, with the Ivorian easily the side's best player throughout the first 45 minutes.
AM - Bruno Fernandes
Without Bruno Fernandes on the pitch, United simply do not win. This season, it seems they do not win with him on the pitch either. Put simply, Fernandes is the beating heart of this team, and if there is any hope of the club coming away from tonight with anything, the Portuguese skipper will need to be in top form.
LW - Mathues Cunha
With Marcus Rashford and Dorgu still not in contention, it should be time for Matheus Cunha to reclaim his spot on the left flank. One of United’s most exhilarating players last season, those flashes of brilliance seem to have faded away from United’s Brazilian. A strong performance tonight is desperately needed.
ST - Bryan Mbeumo
Possibly the first name on the team sheet due to a lack of striker presence anywhere else within the club. With Benjamin Sesko seemingly not back until the new year, fans will be hoping Mbeumo can fill his boots.
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