Five Man Utd questions Michael Carrick must answer against PSG
Manchester United’s pre-season moves up another level when Michael Carrick’s side face Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on Saturday.
United have already beaten Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid, but Man Utd vs PSG should reveal considerably more about Carrick’s plans for the new season. Bruno Fernandes and several other World Cup players have returned, while summer signings Youri Tielemans and Senne Lammens are also available.
With the Premier League opener against Hull City getting closer, these are five questions Carrick needs to begin answering.
Which Man Utd midfield is Carrick building?
1. Who starts alongside Andrey Santos?
Santos has been one of the constants during pre-season, but the options around him are changing.
Tielemans can now feature after returning from his post-World Cup break, while Mason Mount has impressed in a deeper position. ReadManUtd reported this week that Mount’s performances have even reduced United’s urgency to sign another midfielder.
PSG should give Carrick an opportunity to see how Tielemans works alongside Santos against elite opposition.
2. How quickly does Bruno Fernandes return?
Fernandes has now reported back alongside Diogo Dalot, Matheus Cunha and Noussair Mazraoui.
Carrick does not need to rush his captain after the World Cup. However, Saturday could provide Fernandes with his first minutes of the summer and begin showing where he fits alongside United’s new midfielders.
Carrick has attacking decisions to make
3. Is Patrick Dorgu really an attacker now?
This is becoming one of the most interesting tactical changes of Carrick’s summer.
ReadManUtd revealed on Wednesday that Carrick prefers Dorgu in a more advanced role, which helps explain United’s pursuit of another left-back.
Another start on the wing against PSG would make that preference increasingly clear.
4. Has Shea Lacey earned another major opportunity?
Lacey has been one of United’s standout youngsters this summer.
He scored against Rosenborg before producing another encouraging display against Atletico, including winning the penalty for Bryan Mbeumo’s equaliser.
The returning senior players will make minutes harder to find. Carrick must now decide whether Lacey remains part of his immediate plans or whether his development would eventually benefit from regular football elsewhere.
Man Utd vs PSG can shape Carrick’s strongest side
5. Who leads the attack?
Mbeumo scored twice against Atletico while operating through the middle and should remain an option there.
Benjamin Sesko has yet to feature this summer following a shin problem, so Carrick cannot yet build his attack around the Slovenian. Cunha’s return also creates another possibility once his fitness allows.
Manchester United have confirmed Saturday’s game takes place at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, while PSG have had a shorter preparation period after beginning pre-season later because of the World Cup.
PSG confirmed their first-team squad only returned to training from 27 July, with several internationals given additional time away.
The result on Saturday will matter little by August 22.
What Carrick learns about his midfield, Dorgu’s role and the players closest to his strongest XI could be considerably more important.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
View all articles →
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Why Shea Lacey is giving Michael Carrick a Man Utd dilemma
Why Shea Lacey is giving Michael Carrick a Man Utd dilemma