COM Vs MNU: Man United Confirmed Starting Lineup Ahead of Champions League Clash

According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Manchester United have made several changes to their starting lineup for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter against Como, with Matthijs de Ligt returning to central defence and Lisandro Martinez ruled out through injury.

Michael Carrick faces a difficult selection challenge as his side travels to Italy without nine senior players for their third league-phase match.

United head into the contest under increasing pressure after extending their winless run to six matches with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday. Their previous European outing also ended in disappointment, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in a match that saw Leny Yoro sent off.

Martinez featured against Leeds despite the controversy surrounding his post-match comments about technical director Jason Wilcox following the Atletico defeat. However, the Argentine defender was forced off at half-time with a thigh injury and will not be available against Como.

De Ligt has been brought into central defence for his first appearance in the position in nearly a year. He partners Harry Maguire, while Noussair Mazraoui replaces the suspended Yoro. Diogo Dalot completes the defensive line.

The midfield features Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, with Mason Mount also earning a starting role. Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate with freedom in an advanced position, supporting Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack.

Carrick will also be without Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Marcus Rashford, who are all absent from the matchday squad. Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte remain unavailable, further limiting the manager’s options.

United desperately need a positive result after their recent struggles, but their depleted squad presents a significant challenge. The encounter offers Carrick an opportunity to steady his team and ease some of the pressure surrounding his position.

Manchester United Confirmed Starting Lineup:

Lammens; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot; Tielemans, Santos; Mbeumo, Mount, Fernandes; Cunha.

Substitutes: Darlow, Heaton, Amass, Armer, Baleba, Kamason, Fletcher, Fletcher, Diallo, Lacey, Thompson, Zirkzee.

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