Michael Carrick has named his starting XI for Manchester United’s fourth Champions League fixture of the season, as he looks to end a difficult run of form that has seen the side go nine consecutive matches without a win.
Starting XI:
Senne Lammens
Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot.
Carlos Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo.
Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha.
Bryan Mbeumo.
The United manager has made two changes from the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, with centre-back Lisandro Martinez dropping to the bench following a disastrous afternoon against the London side.
Although United dominated large periods of the opening half, Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead just five minutes after the restart with a powerful run through the United defence. Martinez was particularly culpable, leaving the midfielder with a clear route towards goal, which he made no mistake in exploiting.
Just 15 minutes later, the Argentine received two yellow cards in as many minutes, with another lapse in his defending proving costly as he conceded a penalty. Cole Palmer stepped up but could only send his effort narrowly past Senne Lammens.
Ayden Heaven has come in to replace the Argentine.
One development Manchester United fans will welcome is the prospect of Kobbie Mainoo and Carlos Baleba starting alongside one another in midfield for the first time, almost three months into the season.
Mainoo made his first appearance since 10 October when he was introduced as a second-half substitute against Chelsea, and will now have the opportunity to establish himself alongside his new midfield partner.
The two have both spent significant periods on the sideline this season, and it will be interesting to see how they mesh on the pitch.
With both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos yet to make a convincing impression in a United shirt, Carrick’s decision to turn to Mainoo and Baleba comes as little surprise. The pair offer a complementary blend of qualities, with Baleba’s physical stature and defensive nous potentially affording Mainoo the freedom to dictate play and exert greater influence in more advanced areas.
Together, they provide a combination of athleticism, technical quality and the ability to carry the ball into more advanced areas of the pitch. It is a partnership that could offer United a much-needed platform in the middle of the park.
Every match for Carrick is now the most important of his tenure. Drop points in any match, especially tonight against Roma, and it is likely he will be facing the chopping block just mere months into his position as head coach of Manchester United.
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