Manchester United look set to make minimal changes to their starting lineup as they prepare to travel to face Everton this weekend, with head coach Michael Carrick largely sticking with a settled group — aside from one significant fitness doubt in defence.
Shaw’s Late Test Could Decide the Back Line
The headline uncertainty ahead of the trip to Everton centres on left-back Luke Shaw, who is nursing a minor hamstring concern. Images of Shaw training have appeared on United’s official channels, which will offer some reassurance to fans, but injury trackers such as Premier Injuries currently rate his chances of featuring at only around 25%, suggesting a genuine late call will need to be made on his fitness.
Should Shaw not be risked, Noussair Mazraoui looks the most likely option to slot in at left-back, given his versatility across the back line. Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass remain further options in that position if needed.
Elsewhere in defence, the picture is more settled. Senne Lammens is expected to continue in goal, with a back four in front of him made up of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez alongside whoever wins the left-back battle.
Injury List Limits Carrick’s Options Further Forward
United’s selection headaches aren’t confined to left-back. Amad remains sidelined, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to be out for a longer stretch. Matthijs de Ligt and Carlos Baleba are also unavailable, which continues to restrict Carrick’s rotation options in both central defence and midfield. On a more positive note, Mason Mount is expected to be back involved in the matchday squad after his recent spell out of the side.
Midfield: Tielemans Tipped to Retain His Spot
Kobbie Mainoo looks nailed-on to keep his place in midfield following a standout display against Ipswich, and is regarded as one of the first names on the team sheet right now.
The more debatable decision is who partners him. Youri Tielemans is expected to be preferred over Santos, even though a tricky away fixture might tempt Carrick toward a more defensively minded pairing. The reasoning behind sticking with Tielemans centres on his passing range and ability to control tempo — qualities seen as well suited to the way Carrick wants his side to play out from midfield.
Attack: Cunha Favoured Over Sesko Up Top
In attack, Bryan Mbeumo is expected to continue on the right-hand side, particularly with Amad still missing, though Shea Lacey could come into contention on that flank if Carrick decides to shift Mbeumo into a central striking role instead. Bruno Fernandes remains a certainty in the number 10 position, while Marcus Rashford is expected to continue from the left.
Through the middle, Matheus Cunha currently looks the more trusted option to start ahead of Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian striker likely to have to settle for a role off the bench once again, where he should still be in line for some minutes.
Predicted XI
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw (or Mazraoui); Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha
Key Points to Watch
- Shaw’s fitness test is the biggest selection story heading into matchday — Mazraoui is the direct replacement if he doesn’t make it.
- Tielemans is expected to get the nod over Santos in central midfield.
- Cunha remains first choice through the middle, with Sesko poised for an impact role from the bench.
This is a predicted lineup based on available team news and injury updates ahead of kick-off; the final XI will be confirmed by the club closer to the match.