Man Utd Carrick rules FIVE out of Como trip as injuries mount

At Carrington training ground on Wednesday morning, Manchester United boss Michael Carrick watched a thin line‑up assemble before the Champions League departure to northern Italy. He confirmed that five Red Devils – Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Marcus Rashford – missed the final session and will miss Wednesday’s clash with Serie A side Como. The announcement came as United prepare for a Wednesday night trip that will test a squad already missing Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte through long‑term injuries.

Injury list for the Como clash

The five absentees represent a mix of defensive and attacking options, leaving Carrick with limited choices on the left flank. The five absentees are a MISS for the squad. In addition, Leny Yoro is suspended after receiving a red card against Atletico Madrid in the previous Champions League round.

Carrick described the situation as a ‘mixed bag’, noting that Martinez is the most likely to be available for United’s next Premier League game against Bournemouth on Sunday. He added that Kobbie Mainoo may need another ten days to recover, while Luke Shaw’s return could take a little longer.

Pressure on Carrick and transfer hindsight

United’s woes follow a Sunday draw at Leeds United that extended a six‑game winless streak across all competitions, including three defeats in that period. The poor run has intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s future, with names such as Fabian Hurzeler, Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Como manager Cesc Fabregas floated as potential successors. The manager also addressed criticism over the club’s failure to sign another left‑back during the summer, a decision that now forces a reshuffle around Luke Shaw’s injury.

Carrick backs himself as United head into Bournemouth clash

When pressed on whether he regretted the missed signing, Carrick replied, “Listen, when we’ve got injuries at different stages we can always look at what could have been done, what we could have improved.” He highlighted that the newly‑signed left‑back Andrey Santos was a “big part of” the summer plan and expressed delight at his arrival. “There’s been injuries, Pat as well getting injured, it tends to happen at times where it hits you in the same place,” he added. The club’s UTD board has backed his decisions.

On a brighter note, United have welcomed back centre‑back Matthijs de Ligt, who returns after an eleven‑month battle with a back problem, with Carrick praising his patience and fitness. He also hinted that Benjamin Sesko’s recovery could become clearer by the end of the week, saying, “We’re hoping soon that we have a clear picture.” The manager remains focused on the immediate challenges despite the surrounding speculation.

Carrick vows to restore United’s identity after 4-1 defeat to Como

With five players ruled out and the squad stretched thin, Carrick’s handling of the injury crisis will be pivotal as United seek to halt their winless run. The outcome in Como could shape the narrative around his tenure at Old Trafford. MAN United supporters will be watching closely.