The latest Manchester United team news and predicted line-up ahead of their EFL Cup showdown with Brighton.
Following a disappointing defeat to 10-man Manchester City on Sunday, Manchester United will look to get back on track in Wednesday evening’s EFL Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion – but manager Michael Carrick faces some selection headaches ahead of kick-off.
placeholder image
Getty Images
Carrick told the media that he has “decisions to make” as he works out whether to rotate his starting side or to play his starters against potentially tricky opposition, while as many as six first-team players could miss out through injury, including regular left-back Luke Shaw.
READ MORE:‘Embarrassing’: Man Utd legend on VAR and why they didn’t deserve to beat Man City
Ahead of Wednesday’s game at Old Trafford, we’ve collected all of the latest Manchester United team news and injury updates below alongside our prediction for Carrick’s likely starting line-up.
Will Luke Shaw be fit to face Brighton?
Luke Shaw missed the Manchester Derby with a muscular injury - and could be left out once moreplaceholder image
Luke Shaw missed the Manchester Derby with a muscular injury - and could be left out once more | Getty Images
The biggest question mark lingering over Manchester United’s squad ahead of Wednesday’s fixture concerns Shaw, who has missed the last two matches thanks to a thigh injury which Carrick has described as “minor.”
Speaking to the media after the Manchester Derby, Carrick told the press that the 31-year-old defender could “possibly be fit for Brighton” but added that it wasn’t “clear-cut.”
Should Shaw miss out, it’s likely that Patrick Dorgu will deputise at left-back once more, while Shaw should return in time to face Fulham at the weekend barring further setbacks.
Carrick could also use the EFL Cup tie as an opportunity to rest starting defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez, with youngsters Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro in line to start. Karl Darlow could make his debut for Manchester United in goal.
When will Carlos Baleba make his debut for Manchester United?
Carlos Baleba's first Manchester United match is likely to come in Octoberplaceholder image
Carlos Baleba's first Manchester United match is likely to come in October | Getty Images
One player who won’t be involved in proceedings against Brighton is £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba, whose debut has been delayed by an ankle ligament injury which will prevent him from playing against his former club.
Carrick has told the media that Baleba should be involved in first-team training at some point this week, but he isn’t expected to be match ready until after the forthcoming international break. Winger Amad Diallo is also likely to return in October following his own ankle injury.
Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who hasn’t played since November 2025 due to a persistent lower back problem, is believed to be closing in on a comeback but the Brighton game is likely to come too soon. There is some chance that the Dutchman makes the bench for the Fulham game this weekend, but a post-international break return could be more likely. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte (ACL) and reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton (hamstring) have been ruled out.
Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško, meanwhile, could make just his second start of the season up front having scored in two of his last three appearances. Mason Mount may also get a start on the left wing with Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha among the candidates to be rested.
Manchester United predicted XI vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Dorgu, Heaven, Yoro, Mazraoui; Santos, Tielemans; Mount, Fernandes, Mbeumo; Šeško.