Michael Carrick has made very few changes to his Manchester United line-up since taking charge as interim head coach.
The only silver lining to Manchester United playing just 40 games this season is that there is plenty of time to prepare and minimal stress on player fitness.
It means that Michael Carrick has time on the training ground to improve his players, and he has had a relatively full squad to pick from in his first three matches.
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Patrick Dorgu’s injury forced the only change to Carrick’s line-up, with Matheus Cunha starting against Fulham and impressing.
In defence, though, Carrick has been consistent in his line-up, with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez starring in a solid centre-back partnership.
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United applauds the fans
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Matthijs de Ligt will give Michael Carrick selection headaches
Maguire and Martinez have been sensational for Carrick in defence, keeping a clean sheet against Manchester City and then impressing against Arsenal and Fulham.
In the upcoming clash against Tottenham, supporters can expect to see the pair playing alongside each other again.
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But that might only be because Matthijs de Ligt is injured. Once the Dutch defender returns to fitness, Carrick has a big selection dilemma.
How worried are you about Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount’s injury battles?
Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount split
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De Ligt was United’s best player in the early stages of the season, and he can have an impact in both boxes because of his tremendous physical attributes.
But deciding which of Maguire or Martinez to drop, if either, is not an easy decision to make.
Matthijs de Ligt return is imminent
De Ligt’s injury absence has been a head-scratcher. He played every single minute of United’s Premier League campaign up until the end of November.
But now he has missed 12 consecutive games with a back injury, and there have been very few details about his setback.
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Carrick gave an update on De Ligt’s injury last week but only mentioned that the 26-year-old has been out of training.
According to the reliable Premier Injuries, De Ligt’s return should come later this month as long as he faces no setbacks in his recovery.
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