The old saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” provides a clue as to what The Peoples Person expects from Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick when he names his starting XI to face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Tuesday.
Carrick has made only one change to the four line-ups he has selected since taking over in the United hot seat, and that was an enforced one when Patrick Dorgu pulled a hamstring against Arsenal after scoring a superb goal and was replaced by Matheus Cunha.
With maximum points from those four games, and despite a talented bench that includes the likes of Ben Sesko, Josh Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui, there is no obvious reason why the Wallsend man would tinker now. Matthijs de Ligt and Dorgu are still injured, while Mason Mount may also not be quite ready for action.
There have been rumours circulating that Bryan Mbeumo has been seen limping, but these have been quashed by United insider Sully in a Twitter post.
Defence
The excellent Senne Lammens will be in goal, with Diogo Dalot at right-back, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez as the centre-backs, and Luke Shaw at left-back. The gifted young talents, Yoro and Ayden Heaven, will have to bide their time for a chance to show Carrick what they can do.
Midfield and Attack
Casemiro has been rolling back the years under Carrick, while Kobbie Mainoo has been playing as if he has the experience of his midfield partner. They are nailed-on starters if fit.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is also in good form and will sit ahead of them in the number ten position.
Up front, Amad and Cunha will once again offer support to Bryan Mbeumo, who is improving in the centre-forward role with every game.
Should United manage to grab all three points, they will move above Aston Villa into third place in the table, with the Villans not playing until Wednesday.
Final Thoughts
De Ligt and Dorgu out, with Mount very doubtful
Carrick to name unchanged side yet again
Reports of Mbeumo injury appear to be unfounded
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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