Michael Carrick is in desperate need of a win and he will be hoping Man United can deliver against AFC Bournemouth
Manchester United's predicted line-up to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League
Manchester United's predicted line-up to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League(Image: Pick the Team/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has a pivotal afternoon ahead of him as Manchester United host AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. If he loses, his position as the Reds' head coach is surely untenable. A draw puts him on the verge of dismissal and only a win would ensure that Carrick lives to fight another day.
While Carrick may want to make sweeping changes from the side that lost to Como in midweek, options could be thin on the ground. Injuries were not addressed during Carrick's pre-match press conference but Luke Shaw is not expected to be fit. Noussair Mazraoui was woeful on Wednesday and should lose his spot to Leny Yoro. Moving the Frenchman to right-back and having Diogo Dalot start on the left is Carrick's best option.
Lisandro Martinez could be fit having just missed out on the Como game. If he is, he could replace Matthijs de Ligt, who might need a little longer before playing two games in quick succession.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo remains absent but a recall for Carlos Baleba should be top of Carrick's plans. Partnering him may be Mason Mount after Andrey Santos struggled in Italy. Youri Tielemans would be best used staying in the No.10 role.
The big question is what Carrick does with Bruno Fernandes. On Friday, Carrick insisted he would always do what is best for the club when asked if Fernandes would be stripped of the captaincy after he criticised United's tactics. Carrick is unlikely to drop the captain, albeit Amad is a good option to come in if he does decide on the nuclear option.
Matheus Cunha should remain on the left with Marcus Rashford a doubt. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo should lead the line after the Fernandes false nine experiment went drastically wrong.
Manchester United's predicted line-up to face Bournemouth in the Premier League
Manchester United's predicted line-up to face Bournemouth in the Premier League
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