Ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and defender Luke Shaw will miss the match through injury.
Adding to the woes of United's worst league start in 40 years, Carrick revealed in his press conference that both players had picked up issues against Tottenham on Saturday.
"They didn't travel due to physical issues. Both picked up issues in the game on Saturday, working through that," he explained, adding that neither would be "available for the game tomorrow".
Both players featured in United's 1-1 draw against Tottenham, with Mainoo completing the full 90 minutes with no apparent issue.
Shaw, meanwhile, was withdrawn five minutes into the eight minutes of second-half stoppage time, appearing to hobble off. Both players have a history of recurring injuries, with Shaw having only recently returned after missing three games with a knock.
The absences come at a difficult time for Carrick, with United facing a demanding run of fixtures and limited options in key positions. Their fitness concerns add another challenge ahead of a crucial European test against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.
How Will Mainoo and Shaw’s Absences Affect Man Utd?
With the length of both players' absences still unknown, let's assess how Manchester United boss Michael Carrick could change his team for Tuesday's encounter.
Mainoo's injury could open the door for £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba, whose substitute appearance against Tottenham marked his debut for the club. Signed from Brighton while recovering from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season, the midfielder has only recently returned to action.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville noted that "when Baleba came on with Mainoo, it looked like there was a lot more energy". Although the pair may not be available together on Tuesday night, Baleba looks ready for a bigger role in his new side.
However, making his full debut on such a big occasion would be a significant step up, and Carrick may consider alternative options in midfield.
In Shaw's case, United are already stretched thin for fit full-back options, with Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui also ruled out. This leaves 19-year-old academy graduate Harry Amass as the only natural left-back available.
Amass has been pictured training with the travelling squad and could potentially make his first Champions League start. However, Carrick may be reluctant to take that risk, instead opting for a more experienced alternative out of position.
Centre-back Leny Yoro could fill in at right-back, a position he has occupied on a handful of occasions in emergencies. This would allow the right-footed Diogo Dalot to switch to the left, giving United a more experienced backline against Diego Simeone's notoriously physical and aggressive Atletico Madrid side.
Whatever team Carrick fields, the pressure is mounting. A frustrating draw against 10-man Tottenham at the weekend has added to fan unrest, while a demanding eight days featuring three away games against Atletico Madrid, Leeds United and Como will test whether a depleted United side can pick up results, starting on Tuesday night.
