Manchester United will be hoping to have Luke Shaw back when they host Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The Red Devils are reeling from a 1-0 derby defeat by local rivals Manchester City over the weekend, with a controversial Erling Haaland winner the difference at Old Trafford - a goal that should not have stood.
Michael Carrick was forced into naming Patrick Dorgu at left-back in Shaw’s absence, with the England international sidelined with muscle tightness.
The defender is believed to be close to a comeback, and he could feature against the Seagulls.
Another that is closing in on a return is Matthijs de Ligt, who has been out since November last year with a back problem.
The Dutchman has been a sore miss for United at the back, with their defence particularly porous at the start of the new campaign.
Otherwise, Carrick is likely to rotate for this cup tie, with one eye on Sunday’s trip to Fulham before the three-week international break.
Senne Lammens could well be replaced by Karl Darlow in net, while Noussair Mazraoui could come in for Diogo Dalot at right-back after a shaky display from the Portuguese against City.
Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been the go-to partnership in central defence, but they could both be handed a rest with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven ready to step in, while if Shaw is fit, he could be given some minutes ahead of Dorgu.
Dorgu, the Denmark international, could operate as an out-and-out winger in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 shape, giving Marcus Rashford some time off, while on the opposite flank, Amad Diallo’s ankle injury leaves them light on the right flank. That could well mean that Bryan Mbeumo is forced to start, although youngster Shea Lacey is also an option.
In the engine room, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans are Carrick’s preferred pairing at present, but there could be minutes for Andrey Santos, while Carlos Baleba, the other summer arrival, remains out with an ankle problem of his own.
Bruno Fernandes is more than likely to retain his place as the No10, but Mason Mount is another alternative, having been an unused substitute against City.
Up top, Benjamin Sesko could get the nod ahead of Matheus Cunha, with Joshua Zirkzee likely to remain on the bench.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Mazraoui, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Sesko
Doubt: Shaw
Injured: Baleba, Heaton, Amad, Ugarte, De Ligt
Date and time: 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Venue: Old Trafford
How to watch: Sky Sports
