Manchester United Seek Shaw Return Against Brighton in Carabao Cup
Manchester United walk back into Old Trafford tonight still stung by derby defeat, still arguing about Erling Haaland’s winner, and still in need of a response. The Carabao Cup, and Brighton, arrive at a useful time.
The 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the weekend, settled by a highly contentious Haaland strike that United felt should have been ruled out, has sharpened the mood. Michael Carrick is expected to answer with changes – but also with a couple of badly needed returns.
Shaw and De Ligt edging back
Luke Shaw is the headline hope. The left-back is believed to be close to a comeback and could finally pull on a shirt again tonight. United have missed his balance, his delivery, his calmness on the ball. If he’s ready, even 30 minutes would matter.
Matthijs de Ligt is not far behind. The Dutch defender has been sidelined since November with a back problem and his absence has been felt every week. United’s back line has looked open at the start of this campaign, and the former Juventus and Bayern man was signed to prevent exactly that. He is closing in, but the timing of his involvement remains tight.
Rotation with Fulham looming
Carrick cannot ignore Sunday’s trip to Fulham, or the three-week international break that follows. This cup tie sits awkwardly in the schedule, and the team sheet will show it.
Senne Lammens is expected to make way in goal, with Karl Darlow in line for a start. At right-back, Diogo Dalot’s shaky outing against City has opened the door for Noussair Mazraoui to step in and stake his claim.
At centre-back, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been the default pairing, but both could be handed a breather. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are ready to come in, and Carrick may well take the chance to test their nerve under the Old Trafford lights.
If Shaw is declared fit enough, he is likely to be eased back in on the left, which would push Patrick Dorgu further forward.
Dorgu pushed on, questions on the flanks
Dorgu, fresh from his emergence with Denmark, could be used as a true winger in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, rather than as a full-back. That would allow Marcus Rashford to sit this one out and recharge.
The right flank is a bigger problem. Amad Diallo’s ankle injury has left United light in that area. Bryan Mbeumo may have to start again despite the desire to rotate, though youngster Shea Lacey offers a bold alternative if Carrick wants to gamble on youth.
Midfield balance and the No10 call
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans have become Carrick’s preferred double act. Their control and passing range have given United a clearer structure, but this is a night when minutes can be shared.
Andrey Santos is pushing for involvement and could see time in the engine room. Carlos Baleba, another summer signing, remains sidelined with his own ankle issue, so the options are not limitless.
Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is expected to keep his place as the No10. He remains the creative heartbeat and the on-pitch standard-bearer, especially after a damaging derby defeat. Mason Mount, unused against City, waits in the wings if Carrick chooses to freshen things up between the lines.
United need a performance, not just progression. With Brighton in town and the season’s first real questions starting to bite, this Carabao Cup tie suddenly feels like more than just a midweek distraction.
