Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are facing a defensive crisis going into their Champions League trip to Serie A outfit Como.

United have only kept one clean sheet in 10 matches and their chances of keeping Como out look likely to be hampered by suspension and injury.

Leny Yoro is definitely out after being sent off in the 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid last week.

However, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven were among the players who sat out the open section of Tuesday morning's training session at Carrington.

Shaw and Heaven both missed Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds United, while Martinez was replaced at half-time with a thigh problem.

Teenage defenders Dan Armer and Jaydan Kamason joined Michael Carrick's squad on Tuesday.

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has not featured since the draw with Tottenham on 10 October, and forward Marcus Rashford, who has been managing a hip problem, were also missing, as was striker Benjamin Sesko. Long-term absentees Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte are definitely out.

United go into the game on the back of an unhappy run of six games without a win - their worst since 2018-19.

Former England captain Steph Houghton says Manchester United are currently a "tough watch" and believes the team are struggling to create chances.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Houghton said United look "flat" and suggested players are afraid to take risks.

"Usually their go-to is Bruno Fernandes, he's the one that makes them take risks, he can create a chance out of nothing," she said.

"When he isn't playing his best, it feels like United aren't creating anything without him."

Houghton also raised concerns over the lack of trust in striker Benjamin Sesko and outlined Lisandro Martinez's recent interview was "quite damning".

Chris Sutton also questioned how long United should persist with Michael Carrick if their poor run continues.

"I don't think that he should be sacked now, I think he proved himself last season," Sutton said.

However, he criticised United's lack of a defined style, adding: "They don't really control games, they're just quite an average team. I just can't see a way out for them."

Listen to Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds

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On the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devil's Advocate podcast, the team discussed captain Bruno Fernandes' form so far this season and how manager Michael Carrick should respond.

Host Gaz Drinkwater said: "Obviously, in the Ipswich game Fernandes was phenomenal, but I'm starting to get a little bit worried about him."

Fan Jay Motty, from the Stretford Paddock, replied: "It hasn't been a good season for Fernandes, I think we can agree on that. I don't know whether Carrick is struggling to decide what to do with him. Is that his best position [on the wing]? No. But then if you put him in the middle that means you're going to have to drop Youri Tielemans. Is dropping Tielemans a terrible idea?

"I think Bruno is one player he cannot drop - not just because of the performances, because I don't think they've been great, but it sends the wrong message and if it doesn't work out people will think you've lost the plot.

"Also, how do his team-mates in the dressing room respond to that? You'd lose an ally straight away if you drop the captain and I just don't think he can afford to do that.

"Maybe that's wrong. Maybe he should be able to drop a player who's not performing but I just don't think Carrick is in a position to."

What do you think about Fernandes' performances so far this season? Should Carrick consider leaving out his captain or is the talisman 'undroppable'?

Let us know here

Listen to the full episode of The Devils' Advocate on BBC Sounds

Liverpool and Manchester United are among several Premier League clubs interested in Borussia Dortmund's Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha, with Liverpool viewing the £84m-rated 26-year-old as an alternative to Bournemouth's England international Alex Scott, 23. (Teamtalk), external

JJ Gabriel's exit from Manchester United is imminent. Real Madrid have made a significant offer for the 16-year-old English forward, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also interested. (Sport - in Spanish), external

United are monitoring Roma's 23-year-old Brazil full-back Wesley before a potential January transfer. (Football Insider), external

Manchester United might have to battle against Juventus to appoint 57-year-old Italian Antonio Conte should they sack head coach Michael Carrick. (Talksport), external

Brighton are said to be "relaxed" about the long-term future of manager Fabian Hurzeler after an impressive start to the season, with the 33-year-old German linked to a possible move to Manchester United in recent weeks. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

A new episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast is available to listen to and download now on BBC Sounds.

Gaz Drinkwater is joined by Jay Motty to dissect the draw at Leeds United and look ahead to Manchester United's upcoming games against Como and Bournemouth.

Plus, is Bruno Fernandes' form a concern?

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

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Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson spoke to the Football Daily podcast about Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes' performance in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds United: "He played on the right against Atletico Madrid and played through the middle on Sunday. Michael Carrick has flirted with different positions for him but they need to get the best out of their best player, which is what he did [against Leeds].

"He doesn't need to be sitting in a holding midfield role where he needs to link the defence and forwards together. He was deployed higher up where he is most effective.

"They still lack a number nine but Carrick experimented with Fernandes as a false nine and it worked. I think we'll see it again."

On Manchester United's performance overall, he added: "They were pretty good for the whole game. I went to all three of their games [Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Leeds] and this one was the best performance of the week - the way Carrick set them up and they way they played. I was impressed with what they did."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Ian: Not at our best today, quality in the final third is lacking, but we will finish comfortably in mid-table this season, which is the aim. While I am disappointed that we didn't get a home win, I'll take a point against a dangerous team.

Stuart: Controlled most of the game and could have had a penalty. Of course, Man Utd produced their best performance of the season, playing Leeds at the home of football. It's their cup final.

Graham: Compared to how they played against Arsenal last week, this was a poor performance pretty much all round. Passing at times was abysmal, tackling weak, and too much time spent going backwards. Defence was sound, the midfield uncreative and the forwards lacking precision. Improvements are needed for the next game.

Man Utd fans

Adnan: Slightly better in terms of organisation and balance. Still not potent enough in attacking areas to create chances and take control of games, which in turn creates more pressure on a susceptible defence.

Bob: It's a measure of where we are as a club that a draw against Leeds is seen as some sort of progress. Carrick is doing the best he can with a very mediocre and threadbare squad. The press need to look where the fans are looking, and it's not at the manager.

Kevin: Man Utd will get ripped sideways in Champions League games. They will deliver mid-table this season. At best, lack of European football next season will determine whether Carrick has a future or not. I agree with Lisandro Martinez, problems lie much deeper and much greater. When will these be addressed?

Yousef: Manchester United's flatlining display against Leeds United further highlights a team devoid of rhythm and identity under Michael Carrick. The decision to tuck Amad Diallo into a restrictive, defensive role completely starved the frontline of creativity, while Bruno Fernandes' ongoing struggle to control matches is becoming a serious tactical issue. Three consecutive Premier League draws and just one win in seven games prove that individual moments from players like Bryan Mbeumo cannot mask a disjointed, fragile system that completely fades under pressure.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Bryan Mbeumo's performance wasn't flawless by any means.

He should have done much better when he missed the target with a free header before he scored, and the former Brentford man then failed to prevent Dominic Calvert-Lewin powering in an equaliser just after half-time.

But in a campaign when so many of Michael Carrick's attacking players are struggling – skipper Bruno Fernandes has been a shadow of the player who broke the Premier League assists record last season even though the United boss said the Portuguese was 'absolutely fine' – Mbeumo's performances have been vital.

Their importance has been heightened by the continued absence of striker Benjamin Sesko with a shin injury.

Mbeumo spent the first few games on the right of United's attack when Amad Diallo was ruled out by injury. When Amad returned, Mbeumo moved into the number nine role.

At Elland Road he was shifted again, to the left as Fernandes played more through the middle.

"When you are the kind of player who can be very good in a lot of positions, managers will always say: 'Can you do this? Can you do that?'" former Red Devils striker Dion Dublin told BBC Sport.

"When you're in this Manchester United team at the moment, you just have to go where is best for the team."

Carrick was even more effusive in his praise.

"Bryan gives so much to the team," he said. "He sacrifices so much.

"He's willing to do pretty much anything that needs to be done to benefit the team - whether that's defending in certain areas, whether that's attacking. He'll give everything he's got.

"He's getting in really good positions to be really dangerous for us, and it's great to have him."

Read more on United's 1-1 draw against Leeds here

Barcelona are monitoring Benfica defender Daniel Banjaqui, 18, but may face competition from Premier League sides Newcastle and Manchester United. (Ekrem Konur), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, speaking to BBC Sport: "It was a tough game for both teams. There was an edge to the game. In little moments, we played some good football. It is maybe a bit understandable that it is a tough place to come. We had to work for it. I was proud of the boys for the way they went about that today in difficult circumstances.

"It is a bit more than effort. Application is the way you go about it as well and the plan and the responsibility in the roles and I thought the boys took that for the most part.

"It was a tense game, it was a tight game and one that could have gone both ways, so we will take the point and move on."

On the group after the last few days: "You are looking at the togetherness, the spirit and the unity and I said before, I don't doubt that with the group and they showed it today. I am not surprised, they are a tight group and want to do well. The way we went about it today gives me a lot of belief that we are a strong group."

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire speaking to Sky Sports: "You can't question the togetherness, spirit and fight. It's a tough place to come, Leeds have been flying in the league. But we have to be better than that, we have to show a bit more quality with the ball and when you come to places like this.

"You can't get beat on set plays and that's what we've done, and it's got them back in the game. We felt comfortable in our shape, and they didn't really create too many chances, so then to concede a set play just after half-time it's disappointing."

On Lisandro Martinez injury: "He went off with a knock, fingers crossed, nothing serious. It's a game of moments and goals change games."

On the team possibly being low on confidence: "The confidence in the team has maybe took a bit of a hit. You have to dig in. Spirit, togetherness and hard work will get you through games, but you have to show a bit of quality and composure too. It grew in the game, but their goal knocked our confidence. It will come. I have belief in this group we can do that.

On Lisandro Martinez: "There has been a lot of noise around the club this week. Lisandro has apologised, and we have moved on from it. I thought he was brilliant today, so credit to him and let's hope it's not a serious injury."

Did you know?

• Manchester United have won just one of their seven Premier League matches this season (D4 L2), their fewest number of victories at this stage of a top-flight campaign since 1986-87 – also one victory after seven games.

• Bryan Mbeumo has scored 15 goals in 40 appearances for Manchester United in the Premier League, at least three more than any other player for the club in the competition since his debut (Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko – both 12).

Listen to more from Carrick below or on BBC Sounds

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick does not appear to be in must-win territory yet, but the Manchester United boss will know he must quickly start delivering positive results.

The club's single league win so far this season represents their fewest victories after seven games of a top-flight campaign for 40 years.

It is just five months since Carrick, who stepped in after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, was rewarded for an impressive interim spell with a two-year deal.

Amorim was dismissed after taking aim at the club's senior figures in an explosive post-match news conference here at Leeds in January, and internal tensions at the club resurfaced with Lisandro Martinez's public comments on Tuesday.

A trip to a hostile ground in the aftermath of the painful Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid threatened to expose any unresolved issues.

However, Carrick's side displayed the necessary unity to stand up to the challenge.

Unfortunately for the visitors, an otherwise solid, collective defensive display was undone by a lapse at a set-piece.

They appeared more robust in midfield - owing to the much-needed zest provided by summer signing Carlos Baleba, who provided a cool head during an encouraging first league start for the club.

Manchester United starting XI:

Senne Lammens: Good save to deny Nico Elvedi and solid performance. 7

Leny Yoro: Given a stern physical test despite starting at right-back. Thrown in at the deep end this season. 6

Harry Maguire: Another largely solid display. Came out on top in one-to-one duel with Calvert-Lewin in first half but found it much harder in the second. 7

Lisandro Martinez (off 46, Mazraoui): Kept his place despite inflammatory comments and was cheered by Man Utd fans, booed by Leeds'. Did well enough. Replaced at the break. 6

Diogo Dalot: Yet another different left-back option. Held his own but he shouldn't really be in that position. 6

Andrey Santos: Another industrious performance which questioned why he had been used so sparingly previously. 7

Carlos Baleba: Keen to get on the ball and carry it forward. Partnership with Santos brings energy. He even tried a 25-yard shot but it was off target. 7

Amad Diallo: Pace was a threat, even if visitors didn't make most of it. Second-half shot blocked. 6

Youri Tielemans: Excellent cross for Mbeumo opener. More effective with two midfielders behind him. 7

Bruno Fernandes: Overhit a free-kick in a dangerous position and sent it out for a throw, then booked for late tackle on Muharemovic. Everything seems forced and a struggle at the moment. 6

Bryan Mbeumo: Started in an inside left position and tried to link play but not a natural role. Should have scored with first-half header, didn't threaten with another opportunity but persevered and eventually got his goal. Not strong enough to hold Calvert-Lewin off for equaliser. 7

Man Utd substitutes:

Noussair Mazraoui (on 46, Martinez): Leeds more of a threat when he came on. Vital injury-time block. 6

Mason Mount (on 72, Baleba): Can be effective and tried to create but limited impact. 6

Matheus Cunha (on 84, Tielemans): 6

Subs not used: Darlow, De Ligt, Rashford, Zirkzee, Lacey, Amass.

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There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Sunderland

• Brighton v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds United v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

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I found Lisandro Martinez's outburst about Manchester United's recruitment very strange, especially after his mistake that cost his side victory over Tottenham.

You'd think Martinez would keep his head down after making a mess of the cross that let Dominic Solanke equalise - If I am United's director of football Jason Wilcox then, in January, I am buying a big left-sided centre-half who can deal with crosses to take his place.

While some Manchester United fans might agree with what Martinez said, there is a time and a place to do it and it felt like a really poor error of judgement.

It just shows what kind of state Manchester United are in at the moment, though. Don't forget that Spurs played them off the park early on in that game.

Maybe they will up their game and find a way to win this time because they are getting desperate - but I don't see it.

I think Leeds United will beat them, and beat them convincingly.

So far this season I have backed Manchester United most weeks but I have had enough of that. I must have lost my head to stick with them so long - not any more.

Sutton's prediction: 5-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick is backing Marcus Rashford to rediscover his scoring touch at Manchester United.

Rashford has returned to Old Trafford this season after loan stints with Aston Villa and Barcelona.

Although the England forward has shown flashes of good form, he is still to score or create a goal this season, and some observers are wondering whether his presence has altered the dynamic in Carrick's squad.

Sources dispute this and say Rashford's performance is being hampered by ongoing treatment for an injury he initially sustained during the World Cup and which forced him to pull out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for England's recent Nations League games.

Rashford has been in every United matchday squad so far this season and started his sixth game of the campaign against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

And Carrick says he still has faith in the 28-year-old.

"Marcus has done a lot of good things," said Carrick. "He obviously had a slight injury when he pulled out of England. We had to manage that a little bit.

"He's not quite getting that little bit of a break. But he is putting himself in good positions and having some opportunities.

"If he keeps doing the right things, he will get the rewards in the end."