Cunha to start on the left as Carrick drops Santos for Como clash

Manchester United are set to make one change for their Champions League matchday three trip to Como on Wednesday (18:45 CET) at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Matheus Cunha replaces Andrey Santos, with Youri Tielemans returning to midfield and Bruno Fernandes moving to number 10.

  • Match: Como vs Manchester United, Champions League matchday three
  • Kick-off: Wednesday, 18:45 CET
  • Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como
  • Headline change: Matheus Cunha comes in on the left wing; Andrey Santos drops out
  • Form: United are six games without a win in all competitions after drawing with Leeds United
  • At stake: A first win in seven would revive United's Champions League campaign after an error from Senne Lammens cost them against Atletico Madrid last week

Predicted line-ups

The source article provides a predicted Manchester United XI only; no Como line-up is given.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot; Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Bryan Mbeumo.

Substitutes: Not specified in the source article.

Selection notes

Andrey Santos drops out of the double pivot after starting alongside Carlos Baleba at Leeds United on Sunday. The former Chelsea man makes way for Youri Tielemans to step back into midfield from his previous offensive role. Bruno Fernandes consequently moves to the number 10 position.

Matheus Cunha comes into the playing eleven on the left flank, with Amad Diallo continuing on the right wing despite a poor performance at the weekend. Bryan Mbeumo is likely to be the number nine again, described as arguably Manchester United's best attacker this season.

In defence, Leny Yoro may continue at right back. With Luke Shaw still expected to be out of contention, Diogo Dalot may fill in on the left side of the back four. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez might round off an unchanged defensive quartet.

Senne Lammens is expected to keep his place in goal despite making an error leading to a goal against Atletico Madrid last week.

Injury and availability

  • Luke Shaw: Still expected to be out of contention for the Como trip, meaning Diogo Dalot may continue at left back.

Why Carrick brings Cunha back for a third straight away game

United are on the road for the second straight Champions League clash and a third game in a row, so Michael Carrick has to manage legs as much as tactics. Dropping Andrey Santos is the cleanest change: the Brazilian started the double pivot at Leeds, but Youri Tielemans offers more control in a match United may have to patient in.

That shuffle frees Bruno Fernandes to play as the number 10, where he can link with Matheus Cunha on the left and Amad Diallo on the right. Cunha's direct running gives United an out-ball against a Serie A side that will sit deep at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Bryan Mbeumo leads the line as the number nine, and his form makes him United's most reliable attacking threat. Behind him, Senne Lammens keeps his place in goal despite his error against Atletico Madrid, a show of faith from Carrick. The back four stays unchanged, with Leny Yoro at right back and Diogo Dalot covering for the absent Luke Shaw on the left.

Talking points

  • Is dropping Andrey Santos for Youri Tielemans the right call after only one league start together? United need control in midfield, but Santo's energy could be missed.
  • Senne Lammens keeps his place despite an error leading to a goal against Atletico Madrid. Is that good man-management or a risk against a quality Serie A side?
  • Amad Diallo did not play particularly well at the weekend but keeps his spot. Should Carrick have freshened up the right wing instead?
  • Luke Shaw's continued absence means Diogo Dalot fills in at left back again. Is that a sustainable solution for a Champions League away game?

What happens next

United face Como on Wednesday at 18:45 CET at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, seeking a first win in seven games in all competitions. A positive result would ease pressure on Carrick and keep their Champions League campaign on track after the draw with Leeds United and the error against Atletico Madrid.

Frequently asked questions

Is Matheus Cunha starting for Manchester United vs Como?

Yes, Matheus Cunha is expected to come into the starting XI on the left wing, replacing Andrey Santos in the predicted line-up.

Who is in goal for Manchester United vs Como?

Senne Lammens is expected to keep his place in goal despite making an error leading to a goal against Atletico Madrid last week.

Is Luke Shaw playing for Manchester United vs Como?

No, Luke Shaw is still expected to be out of contention, meaning Diogo Dalot may fill in at left back.

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