Manchester United vs Como presents Michael Carrick with a fresh selection challenge, as several first-team players face fitness concerns ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League encounter in Italy.
The Red Devils head into the October 21 fixture searching for their first victory in six matches across all competitions. Their latest disappointment was Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United, where Bryan Mbeumo‘s first-half goal was cancelled out by Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The result extended United’s difficult run, placing additional pressure on Carrick to find a winning formula. However, injuries and illness could complicate his preparations as he considers changes to the team that faced Leeds.
Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Marcus Rashford are among the players who could potentially return against Como. Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are also being monitored, while Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton face longer or less certain recovery periods.
The latest information from the club’s manager offers some encouragement, but important questions remain about who will be fit enough to participate in the European fixture.
Martinez Injury Creates Defensive Uncertainty
Lisandro Martinez’s fitness is one of the biggest concerns following Manchester United’s encounter with Leeds.
The Argentine defender started at Elland Road but was substituted at half-time after experiencing discomfort in his thigh. His early departure raised questions about whether he would be available for the trip to Italy.
Carrick provided a brief explanation of the situation, saying: “He felt his thigh a little bit.”
The manager did not provide a definitive diagnosis or confirm how long Martinez might be unavailable. His condition will therefore need to be assessed before United make a decision on his involvement.
The defender’s potential return date is Wednesday, October 21, when United face Como away from home. However, that date represents a possibility rather than confirmation that he will play.
Martinez’s availability could influence Carrick’s defensive selection, particularly if the manager wants to avoid aggravating a problem before the team returns to domestic action.
Heaven’s Return Depends on Recovery From Illness
Ayden Heaven missed the Leeds match because of illness, leaving Carrick to adjust his plans for the fixture.
The manager explained the absence, saying: “Ayden has been ill so we had to change just a couple of things really.”
Unlike Martinez, Heaven was not reported to have suffered a new physical injury. His immediate priority is recovering from the illness that prevented him from joining the squad.
United could consider him for Wednesday’s match if his condition improves sufficiently. His possible return would offer Carrick another defensive option, although the club has not confirmed that he will be available.
The final decision is likely to depend on his recovery and readiness to participate in a competitive match.
Rashford Could Give United Another Attacking Option
Marcus Rashford was an unused substitute against Leeds, with Carrick revealing that the forward had been dealing with a minor physical issue.
The manager indicated that the club was carefully managing the player’s condition rather than automatically including him in the action.
“Marcus has been carrying a little bit of something so we’re managing him to a point,” Carrick said.
His comments suggest that Rashford’s involvement is being assessed cautiously. However, the precise nature of the problem was not disclosed in the update.
Rashford could return against Como on October 21, provided he is considered fit enough to feature. His potential availability would give Carrick another attacking option as United attempt to end their disappointing run.
The forward’s situation remains one to monitor because his presence could offer greater flexibility when the manager selects his starting lineup and substitutes.
Shaw and Mainoo Await Fitness Decisions
Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo have each missed Manchester United’s last two matches in all competitions.
Their specific injuries were not identified in the available report, leaving supporters without a clear timetable for either player’s recovery.
Carrick was cautious when discussing their situations, stating: “We’ll see on Luke and Kobbie [Mainoo].”
The response indicates that decisions about their availability were still pending at the time of the update.
Shaw’s return would give United another option at left-back, while Mainoo could strengthen the choices available in midfield. Both positions could become important as Carrick attempts to balance his team for the European trip.
Although Wednesday’s fixture is listed as a possible return date for both players, neither has been confirmed for selection.
Their progress will need to be reviewed before the manager decides whether they can contribute against Como.
Dorgu Expected to Miss Several Weeks
Patrick Dorgu faces a longer recovery after sustaining a thigh injury while playing for Denmark during the international break.
The full-back was forced off during Denmark’s match against Wales, and Carrick subsequently indicated that the problem could keep him out for several weeks.
“Patrick came off and looks like he’ll be out for probably a number of weeks,” the manager said.
The projected return period is late November or early December, although the exact date remains dependent on his recovery.
Dorgu is therefore not expected to feature against Como. His absence could also affect United’s options in the weeks ahead, particularly if other defenders are unavailable.
The club will need to monitor his progress before establishing a more precise timetable for his return to competitive action.
Sesko’s Return Date Remains Unknown
Benjamin Sesko continues to recover from a shin problem that has kept him out of Manchester United’s last four matches across all competitions.
Carrick confirmed that the striker was undergoing further checks before the club could provide a clearer assessment of his recovery.
“Benjamin’s kind of still undergoing a couple of checks, before we update on timelines or everything, we’re just trying to be clear with what that looks like,” he said.
The manager added that Sesko was “a little bit further away” from returning.
The comments suggest that United are not yet ready to establish a firm comeback date. His situation will depend on the findings of the ongoing assessments and the medical team’s recommendations.
Sesko is consequently not among the players with a confirmed return for Wednesday’s encounter. United will need to await further information before determining when the striker can resume playing.
Ugarte and Heaton Face Extended Absences
Manuel Ugarte is expected to remain sidelined until 2027 after suffering a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay in the World Cup.
His projected recovery period means he is unavailable for the Como fixture and is likely to miss a substantial portion of the campaign.
Tom Heaton is also yet to become available this season after sustaining a hamstring injury before the start of the campaign.
Unlike Ugarte, Heaton does not have a confirmed return window. His recovery timetable remains unknown, leaving the goalkeeper’s availability uncertain.
Neither player is expected to provide an immediate solution to Carrick’s selection problems. Their situations instead form part of the club’s longer-term injury management.
Manchester United Need a Response Against Como
The trip to Como comes at an important moment for United, who have struggled to secure victories in recent weeks.
Their last win was a 4-0 Champions League triumph over Sabah at Old Trafford last month. Since then, the team has gone six matches without a victory across all competitions.
The draw against Leeds extended that sequence and left Carrick searching for a response in Europe.
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The possible returns of Martinez, Heaven, Rashford, Shaw and Mainoo could improve his options, but their participation remains subject to fitness assessments.
Meanwhile, Dorgu, Sesko, Ugarte and Heaton are dealing with longer-term problems or recovery periods without confirmed immediate returns.
United’s preparations will therefore depend partly on the outcome of the latest medical evaluations. Carrick must determine which players are ready to contribute without exposing those carrying fitness problems to unnecessary risks.
With the Como match approaching, the final squad selection should provide a clearer picture of United’s available personnel and their prospects of ending the winless run.