The departure of Noussair Mazraoui to AFCON with Morocco would have been a worry for Manchester United.
The versatile star signed from Bayern Munich for a bargain £12.8 million in August 2024, has been an integral part of United’s improvement this season and perfect proof that even United don’t have to spend fortunes to buy quality.
Equally adept on the right side of a back three or as a raiding attacker in a wing-back role, Mazraoui has become a firm fan favourite.
And he was as big a miss as Bryan Mbuemo and Amad Diallo, who also headed to Africa’s showcase competition later this month with Cameroon and Ivory Coast respectively.
Missing key players in vital areas of the pitch is never ideal.
Now Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are all approaching full fitness, Carrick has a decision to make on who his two preferred starters are going to be if he is to continue playing a back four until the end of the season.
De Ligt, Maguire and Martinez are certainly three warriors Amorim can rely on, but there is only room for two of them in a starting XI.
Mazraoui’s return could see him take up the right-back spot ahead of Dalot.
On the left, Luke Shaw can be used in a left-back role - a play that could give extra breathing space for the in-form Patrick Dorgu.
Amorim previously claimed he could feel Dorgu’s anxiety on the ball with the burden of playing for United affecting the 21-year-old Denmark international’s decision-making in key situations, although he has been much improved in recent weeks.
Veteran Shaw - possessing arguably the best first touch in the Premier League for a defender - has no such worries.
Shaw’s ability to deliver attacking support in terms of accurate crossing and passing is another bonus if he is able to push forward from full-back.
The defensive midfield axis of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo excelled against Manchester City and will likely remain unchanged with captain Bruno Fernandes ahead of them.
This United team can be one full of experience - and one that would give optimism to fans who wonder if the club can really push for a top-four finish this term.
Man United Confident in Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko
Despite a hefty £66.3 million price tag and just two goals in eleven Premier League games since joining from RB Leipzig there are no fears inside the Manchester United camp for Benjamin Sesko.
It’s fair to say Sesko hasn’t fully ignited yet after his move from Germany in the summer.
But sources at the United training ground say they have seen enough of the 22-year-old Slovenian star to be confident he’ll be a big hit at United.
The rangy striker scored 26 goals in 53 games for club and country last season, a more than decent goal every two games ratio.
His application and willingness to learn have impressed staff at Carrington who believe comparisons with Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles are unfair and wildly off the mark.
Ruben Amorim had initially felt Sesko’s conditioning wasn’t totally right to start games immediately after his transfer from the Bundesliga.
But now there is a hope after a certain run of games and attaining peak match fitness will see Sesko deliver exactly what United want from the attacker.
United Weigh Up Swap Move for Sunderland Star
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye in action with Sunderland's Noah Sadiki.
Premier League - Sunderland v Everton - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - November 3, 2025 Everton's Iliman Ndiaye in action with Sunderland's Noah Sadiki Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Manuel Ugarte’s fall from popularity under Amorim at Manchester United has made him an appealing January loan target.
Ruben Amorim was willing to sanction the £42 million Uruguayan’s departure, but the Portuguese would have preferred it to be a permanent move.
And talk inside Old Trafford is that if United do follow Amorim's thought process and look to offload Ugarte, he could be used as swop-bait to land Sunderland’s 'incredible' 20-year-old midfield talent Noah Sadiki.
The youngster, signed from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for £15 million in the summer, is attracting plenty of attention after the Black Cat’s excellent start to the Premier League campaign after promotion from the Championship.
The youngster has been praised for bringing intensity and tactical awareness to Sunderland's midfield despite his age and lack of Premier League experience.
Sadiki fits the bill for what United are seeking in central midfield, a dynamic, energetic, quick player. And he’d cost a lot less than Brighton’s £100 million rated Carlos Baleba.
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