Manchester United's Luke Shaw Returns to Boost Team Ahead of Carabao Cup

Manchester United look to Luke Shaw as they try to shake off derby pain and reset their season in the Carabao Cup tonight.

City’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford on the weekend still stings. Erling Haaland’s controversial winner, which United felt should have been ruled out, has only sharpened the mood around Carrick’s squad. A cup tie under the lights against Brighton now doubles as therapy and opportunity.

Shaw and De Ligt edge back

The big hope is Luke Shaw. The left-back is understood to be close to a return and could finally get some minutes against the Seagulls. United have missed his balance, his composure on the ball, and his ability to knit together the left side.

Matthijs de Ligt is also nearing the end of a long road back. The Dutch defender has been out since November with a back problem and his absence has been felt in a back line that has looked too easy to play through in the early weeks of the campaign. Even a place on the bench for him would change the mood around United’s defence.

Rotation on Carrick’s mind

Carrick has one eye on Sunday’s trip to Fulham and the looming three-week international break, so changes are coming.

Senne Lammens is expected to make way in goal, with Karl Darlow pushing to start between the posts. At right-back, Diogo Dalot’s shaky derby display has opened the door for Noussair Mazraoui, who is in line to come in and give United more assurance down that flank.

Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been the first-choice pairing at centre-back, but this competition offers a rare chance to rest both. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are ready to step in if Carrick opts for a full reset at the heart of defence. If Shaw is passed fit, he should see time at left-back, easing his way back ahead of Dorgu.

Dorgu’s role and wide options

Dorgu, the Denmark international, may not lose his place – just his role. He could be pushed higher up the pitch as an out-and-out winger in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, which would allow Marcus Rashford to sit this one out and recharge.

The right flank is a different problem. Amad Diallo’s ankle injury has left United light on that side. Bryan Mbeumo may have to start again, even with the schedule tightening, though youngster Shea Lacey is another live option if Carrick wants to roll the dice with youth.

Midfield decisions and the No 10 question

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans have emerged as Carrick’s preferred double pivot. They bring energy, control and passing range, but this is a night when the manager can spread the load. Andrey Santos is pushing for more minutes and tonight could be his chance to stake a claim. Carlos Baleba, the other summer arrival, remains sidelined with his own ankle issue, so the options are slightly thinner than they look on paper.

Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is still the man in possession of the No 10 role and is likely to keep his place. Mason Mount, though, is waiting. An unused substitute against City, he offers a different rhythm and could be handed the creative reins if Carrick chooses to protect his captain’s legs.

United need a response, and they need it quickly. Whether it comes from returning leaders like Shaw and De Ligt, or from fresh faces grasping a rare start, will say plenty about where this squad really is as the season begins to bite.