Carrick reveals he could unleash as many as six new Man Utd youngsters ahead of Como

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been dealt a series of injury setbacks ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Como, leaving the Red Devils short of options in several positions.

United have endured a difficult start to the new season, with Carrick’s side struggling to build momentum and sitting on just two wins across all competitions.

The trip to Italy therefore represents an important opportunity for the Red Devils to get their campaign back on track, although their preparations have been disrupted by a growing injury list.

Man Utd hit by several injury blows ahead of Como clash

REUTERS/Susana Vera

Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s encounter, Carrick confirmed that several first-team players will be unavailable, including Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw.

“A mixed bag, to be honest,” Carrick explained when asked about the fitness of his squad. “We have quite a few who are missing.

“Licha [Martinez] is not too bad but he is not with us. We will have to see if he’s ready for the weekend or not.

Ayden Heaven, who missed United’s recent meeting with Leeds United, has also been ruled out through illness, while Marcus Rashford continues to struggle with a hip problem.

Benjamin Sesko remains unavailable, with Carrick hoping for a clearer assessment of the striker’s condition later this week. Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu are also sidelined with longer-term injuries.

Carrick could once again turn to Youri Tielemans in a more advanced midfield position after the Belgian impressed against Leeds.

Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Tielemans operated further forward at Elland Road and picked up his third assist of the season, with his performance earning considerable praise from former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who said his awarness in the number ten role was “absolutely fantastic”.

“The fact he scans and plays it on his backfoot means he can play it wide,” Carragher explained on Sky Sports. “He knows Mbeumo is in that area and he knows he is going to find him. Absolute quality.”

Michael Carrick hints six Man Utd youngsters could get their chance

REUTERS/Phil Noble

With injuries limiting his options, Carrick has also suggested that a number of United’s academy prospects are edging closer to opportunities in the senior side.

Among those pushing for greater involvement is Harry Amass, who has regularly featured in matchday squads following a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season.

The young left-back, named United’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for 2024/25, has already made an appearance from the bench in the Champions League victory over Sabah. With Shaw injured and Heaven unavailable, Amass is one of the players who could benefit from the current situation.

Asked during Tuesday’s press conference whether the defender was ready to challenge for a starting place, Carrick replied: “For sure. I mean, that’s why Harry’s with us, you know.

“He’s right in contention and, at some point, young players need an opportunity, and it’s just finding the right time.

“Sometimes it’s because there’s an unfortunate thing happened to somebody else, sometimes it’s just you’re doing that well that we have to give you a chance.”

REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

Crucially, Carrick revealed that Amass is far from the only youngster pushing for a breakthrough, suggesting as many as six academy talents are currently competing to establish themselves in his first-team plans.

“But all the young players are in a similar boat, in a similar level.

“There’s maybe four, five, six of them that are trying to make that next step really in terms of getting into the team and trying to start games, and Harry’s definitely one of them.”

While Carrick stopped short of confirming that Amass or any of his fellow youngsters will start against Como, his comments suggest that opportunities could be on the horizon as United look to navigate their injury problems and turn their season around.