Manchester United Predicted XI vs Brighton: Carrick Makes Changes, Luke Shaw Returns

Manchester United Predicted XI vs Brighton: Carrick Set for Rotation, Shaw Nears Return

Manchester United host Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick expected to rotate his squad after the 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester City. Luke Shaw could return from muscle tightness, while Matthijs de Ligt is also nearing a comeback from a long-term back problem.

Competition: Carabao Cup
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Wednesday night
Headline selection: Karl Darlow expected to replace Senne Lammens in goal; Luke Shaw could return; Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in line to start in central defence
Missing: Amad Diallo (ankle), Carlos Baleba (ankle)
At stake: Carrick needs a response after derby defeat and a win to steady things before a trip to Fulham and the international break

Confirmed line-ups

No confirmed line-ups have been released yet. Below is the predicted Manchester United XI based on source analysis.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Predicted Starting XI: Karl Darlow; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw; Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Benjamin Sesko.

Selection notes

Karl Darlow is expected to replace Senne Lammens in goal. Noussair Mazraoui is pushing to start at right-back after Diogo Dalot struggled against Manchester City. In central defence, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire could be protected, with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in line to come in. Luke Shaw is close to returning after missing out with muscle tightness, and Matthijs de Ligt is also believed to be nearing a comeback.

Further forward, Patrick Dorgu may shift into a more advanced role on the left, allowing Marcus Rashford a breather. On the right, Amad Diallo remains out with an ankle injury, so Bryan Mbeumo may have to start, although Shea Lacey is another option. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans have been Carrick's default pairing, but this feels like a night when Andrey Santos gets a chance. Carlos Baleba is still unavailable with an ankle issue.

Bruno Fernandes should keep his place as the No 10, even with Mason Mount available after being an unused substitute in the derby. Up front, Benjamin Sesko looks well placed to lead the line ahead of Matheus Cunha, with Joshua Zirkzee likely to stay in reserve.

Injury and availability

Luke Shaw: Close to returning, missed recent match with muscle tightness; could feature against Brighton.
Matthijs de Ligt: Nearing a comeback after a back problem that has kept him out since November last year.
Amad Diallo: Out with an ankle injury.
Carlos Baleba: Unavailable with an ankle issue.

Why Carrick will rotate heavily for Brighton tie

Michael Carrick faces a balancing act. The derby defeat to Manchester City left a mark, not only because of the result but because the winning goal from Erling Haaland should have been ruled out. With a trip to Fulham and then the international break on the horizon, Carrick needs to steady things. The Carabao Cup offers a chance to rest key defenders and give minutes to fringe players.

The likely inclusion of Luke Shaw at left-back would restore balance, control and experience. Patrick Dorgu did the job at the weekend, but Shaw's return would allow Dorgu to push forward into a more advanced role, giving Marcus Rashford a breather. In central defence, the potential pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven suggests Carrick wants to protect Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, while also testing his young options against Brighton's attack.

In midfield, Andrey Santos getting a chance alongside Youri Tielemans makes sense. Kobbie Mainoo has been a regular, but with Carlos Baleba unavailable, Carrick needs to assess his depth. Bruno Fernandes remains the creative hub as the No 10, with Mason Mount available from the bench. Up front, Benjamin Sesko's physical presence could trouble Brighton, with Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee as alternatives.

Talking points

Should Carrick risk Luke Shaw from the start, or ease him back from the bench given his injury history?
Is Karl Darlow a safe pair of hands in goal, or does Senne Lammens deserve another chance after the derby?
Does Bryan Mbeumo have the quality to fill in for the injured Amad Diallo on the right flank?
With Carlos Baleba out, is Andrey Santos ready to step into midfield against Premier League opposition?

What happens next

Manchester United face Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night at Old Trafford. Carrick needs a win to restore confidence before a Premier League trip to Fulham and the subsequent international break. A strong performance from the rotated side could see Shaw and De Ligt return to the fold for league duties, while fringe players have a chance to stake their claim.

Frequently asked questions

Is Luke Shaw starting for Manchester United vs Brighton?

Luke Shaw is close to returning after missing out with muscle tightness, and he could feature against Brighton if fit enough for minutes. He is expected to start in the predicted XI.

Who is expected to start in goal for Manchester United vs Brighton?

Karl Darlow may replace Senne Lammens in goal for the Carabao Cup tie, according to the source's predicted line-up.

Which Manchester United players are injured for the Brighton match?

Amad Diallo is out with an ankle injury, and Carlos Baleba is unavailable with an ankle issue. Matthijs de Ligt is nearing a comeback but may not be ready to start.