COM VS MNU: Man Utd’s Confirmed Team News And Best Possible Starting Line-up Against Como

According to a report by London Evening Standard on Tuesday October 20, 2026, Michael Carrick faces several selection problems as Manchester United prepare to meet Como in the Champions League, with defensive concerns mounting and familiarity becoming increasingly important for the struggling manager.

United could be without ten senior players for Wednesday’s third league-phase fixture. Their disappointing form continued on Sunday after a 1-1 draw against Leeds extended their winless run to six matches across all competitions, increasing pressure on Carrick.

Their previous European outing ended in a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid. Leny Yoro was sent off during the match, while Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised technical director Jason Wilcox following the disappointing performance.

Martinez subsequently started against Leeds but was substituted at half-time after suffering a thigh injury. The Argentine defender remains doubtful for the Como encounter, leaving Carrick with another important decision to make.

Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven missed the Leeds matchday squad, while Marcus Rashford remained an unused substitute. All four players, alongside Martinez, were absent from Tuesday morning’s open training session, raising further concerns about their availability.

Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte also remain sidelined with longer-term injuries. Third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton did not participate in training either, adding to the manager’s growing list of unavailable players.

With Yoro suspended, Noussair Mazraoui is expected to replace him in defence. However, selecting Harry Maguire’s central defensive partner presents a greater challenge, particularly if Martinez cannot recover before Wednesday’s fixture.

Matthijs de Ligt could be the only other experienced centre-back available alongside Maguire. However, his lack of competitive appearances for Manchester United in almost a year makes his potential inclusion an important consideration for Carrick.

Against Leeds, Carrick experimented with a system without a recognised striker and enjoyed some success during the opening half. United struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities after the interval, making a conventional forward more likely against Como.

Rashford’s fitness remains uncertain because of a knock he has been carrying. Carrick could retain the front three that started at Elland Road, although Matheus Cunha is pushing for a starting position and could replace Amad Diallo.

Bruno Fernandes is expected to continue operating as a false nine if Carrick maintains that tactical approach. Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba could also begin their third consecutive match together in midfield.

Predicted Manchester United starting XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt, Dalot; Baleba, Tielemans, Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha.

Injured: Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton.

Doubts: Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Ayden Heaven.

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