Manchester United Look to Bounce Back Against Brighton in Carabao Cup
Manchester United are banking on a lift from Luke Shaw’s return as they try to shake off derby disappointment in the Carabao Cup tonight against Brighton at Old Trafford.
The mood around the club darkened after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend, a game decided by a contentious Erling Haaland winner that United felt should have been ruled out. Now they need a response, and quickly.
Shaw’s comeback would be a significant one. The left-back is understood to be close to full fitness and could be handed his first minutes back against the Seagulls, giving United more balance and authority down that flank.
There is more good news on the treatment table. Matthijs de Ligt is also nearing a return after being sidelined since November with a back issue. United have missed the Dutchman badly. Their defence has looked loose and vulnerable at the start of the new campaign, and his presence has been a glaring omission.
Michael Carrick is still expected to shuffle his pack for this tie. The schedule demands it. With a league trip to Fulham looming on Sunday and a three-week international break to follow, this feels like the night for calculated risks and fresh legs.
That could start in goal. Senne Lammens may make way for Karl Darlow, who is pushing for a start between the posts. At right-back, Diogo Dalot’s shaky showing against City has opened the door for Noussair Mazraoui to come in and stake his claim.
At centre-back, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been Carrick’s trusted pairing so far, but both could be given a breather. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are standing by to step in if the manager opts for rotation. On the left, if Shaw is passed fit, he is likely to get valuable minutes, which could move Dorgu further up the pitch.
That tweak would change the dynamic on the wing. Dorgu, the Denmark international, may be used as a natural wide attacker in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, a switch that would allow Marcus Rashford to sit this one out and recharge. On the opposite flank, injuries are biting. Amad Diallo’s ankle problem has left United short on the right, so Bryan Mbeumo may be required to start again, though youngster Shea Lacey is another live option if Carrick wants to roll the dice.
In midfield, the preferred double pivot of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans has given United control in recent weeks, but this competition offers a chance to spread the minutes. Andrey Santos is in line for involvement, while fellow summer signing Carlos Baleba remains unavailable with an ankle injury of his own.
Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is expected to keep his place as the No 10, the heartbeat and irritant in equal measure. Mason Mount, unused against City, is waiting in the wings if Carrick decides his captain needs a rest.
Rotation or not, this is a night United cannot afford to drift through. With Brighton in town, a bruised fanbase watching, and key players edging back to fitness, the Carabao Cup suddenly feels like more than just a side quest.
