Michael Carrick is hoping to guide Man United to a much-needed win over AS Roma in the Champions League this evening
Manchester United need to beat AS Roma tonight
Manchester United need to beat AS Roma tonight(Image: Pick the Team/Getty Images)
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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has insisted he is looking forward to tonight's clash with Roma in the Champions League. However, recent results show little grounds for optimism. United have not won since the Sabah FK clash on September 10. That form leaves Carrick on the brink of losing his job, unless he can turn things around this week.
Patrick Dorgu returned to training on Monday but Carrick confirmed he would not be playing tonight. That leaves a decision to make in defence. Diogo Dalot is likely to keep his spot at left-back, with Leny Yoro on the right.
Lisandro Martinez can face Roma after his red card on Saturday and, considering he won't be featuring against Aston Villa on Sunday, it seems likely he will keep his place. Whether fans feel he should is another matter. But Carrick still sees the Argentinian defender as being key to his plans.
Kobbie Mainoo joined Carrick for his press conference on Monday. That is often a hint towards that player featuring in the upcoming game. Mainoo alongside Carlos Baleba has the makings of a solid midfield partnership. Tonight feels like the time to unleash it.
Ahead of them will be Bruno Fernandes. The captain put in a good performance at Stamford Bridge, even if it did not return a result. He has to stay in the No.10 role.
Marcus Rashford is edging towards a return, but he remains out for this one. That means Matheus Cunha remains on the left flank. Amad will likely continue on the right, even though Shea Lacey continues to push the forward for a start.
Leading the line has to be Bryan Mbeumo. However, as against Chelsea, there could be some fluidity to the Reds' attack.
United predicted XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Baleba, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo