Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick will be looking at his squad over the upcoming games.
With just one win from three games, Manchester United’s season is not off to a great start. There are four matches in all competitions upcoming before the international break.
The dilemma for Michael Carrick is how much he should rotate or mix up his team.
There are some first team options who have not played a single minute yet this season. Here is a look at their status…
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Mason Mount
Mason Mount‘s season is yet to get started. The midfielder showed promise during pre-season before predictably picking up an injury.
Mount featured on the bench for the first time against Everton, but was not called upon.
We should see Mount at some stage over the next fortnight. The £55 million man is certainly not a first choice, but he could be a useful squad player if he stays fit.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee was among the losers from Manchester United’s draw with Everton. After being denied a move to the Toffees on deadline day, Zirkzee was left as an unused substitute.
It has been the same story for Zirkzee since the season began. In fact, he is the only outfield player named on the bench for all three games who has not been given a single minute.
Manchester United U21 v Ipswich Town U21: Premier League 2
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Harry Amass
Harry Amass is yet to make a matchday squad, but is there a chance this changes over the next week, especially in the Carabao Cup?
Amass is one of United’s left-back alternatives to Luke Shaw, and his excellent performances at under-21 level suggest he needs a chance. He played well in pre-season and brings experience from loans in the Championship.
Karl Darlow
Manchester United’s new back-up goalkeeper, Karl Darlow is only really here as an emergency in case of injury or suspension. So it’s logical that he has not played.
It is possible Darlow is handed a debut in the Carabao Cup next week, depending on how Michael Carrick chooses to rotate.
Shea Lacey
Pre-season standout Shea Lacey is primed for a breakthrough year at Manchester United, but his campaign is yet to get started.
Lacey was on the bench for United’s first two matches of the season, but then dropped out for Mount at the weekend.
He should be back in for the Champions League, and we hope he will get minutes in some capacity before he international break.
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And after injury…
Amad
Amad has been a major miss for Manchester United after suffering an injury on the eve of the season.
United have not issued any updates at all on his recovery, but there are reports he is battling to try and get back for the Manchester Derby this weekend, which would be a very welcome boost.
Carlos Baleba
New £66 million signing Carlos Baleba arrived with an injury and it is uncertain if he will play before the international break.
Baleba is projected to be available for the start of October. He has not been named in the Cameroon international squad.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is back training with the Manchester United first team after recovering from a back injury that ended up requiring surgery.
Similar to Baleba, we don’t expect the Dutchman to be available until the international break.
When he is finally fit, De Ligt could give United’s struggling backline a welcome boost.