Manchester United Begins New Era with Carrick: Tielemans and Santos Set for Debuts
Manchester United’s new era under Michael Carrick is set to begin with two fresh faces thrown straight into the Premier League fire.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are both in line for competitive debuts when United open their campaign away to Hull City at the MKM Stadium today, with Carrick ready to trust his rebuilt midfield from the off.
Santos, a £50million summer signing from Chelsea, has barely missed a beat since walking through the door. He featured in all six pre-season friendlies and quickly became a central figure in Carrick’s plans, a clear sign he is expected to anchor the midfield this afternoon.
Tielemans’ route has been different. The Belgian arrived later than most after a post-World Cup break, Belgium having gone as far as the quarter-finals, but he has played himself into shape. Ninety minutes against Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in Poland underlined his readiness and put him firmly in contention to start.
Carrick, now preparing for his first full season as permanent United head coach, may not tinker too much. He could stick with the same midfield trio that began the 4-2 defeat to Milan, with captain Bruno Fernandes restored to his preferred No10 role, operating just ahead of Santos and Tielemans.
Defensive Lineup
At the back, the picture is less settled.
Lisandro Martinez’s lack of match sharpness has opened the door for academy product Ayden Heaven, who is pushing hard to start alongside Harry Maguire in central defence. Leny Yoro is also in the frame, but Heaven’s momentum and Martinez’s fitness issues could tilt the decision towards the youngster against one of Maguire’s former clubs.
Senne Lammens is expected to get the nod in goal, while Luke Shaw should resume his usual duties at left-back. On the opposite flank, Carrick faces a straight choice between Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui at right-back, a battle that has simmered throughout pre-season.
Attacking Options
Further forward, Patrick Dorgu has complicated matters in the best possible way. Once a full-back, he has been reshaped into a left winger, a transformation that truly took hold either side of a cruel injury suffered against Arsenal in January. His resurgence offers drive and width on the flank, but it also collides with the natural territory of Matheus Cunha, who does his most dangerous work cutting in from that same left side.
That clash of roles would usually demand a tough call. Not today.
With Benjamin Sesko not yet ready to start after a three-month injury lay-off, Cunha is set to deputise again through the middle as a central striker. That frees up Dorgu to stay wide on the left, while Bryan Mbeumo is likely to shift back out to the right, restoring the balance of Carrick’s front line.
New signings, a reshaped attack, a gamble or two in defence. Carrick’s first full season starts with bold decisions — and no hiding place.
