No one on earth believes the beleaguered United boss’s team are going to win the Champions League this season or indeed any year soon.

So this evening provides a big chance to relieve some of the gathering doom and gloom around the club and secure a much-needed victory with a positive display. It’s a chance to build up a micro element of confidence ahead of the weekend's crunch league encounter with Aston Villa.

That is the only one that really matters. United must beat Villa at home on Sunday afternoon ahead of the international break or it is curtains, club legend or not.

So how does Carrick get that elusive win tonight? Well, for me it should be a good chance to unleash some fresh and younger legs. Legs that have nothing to lose and have not been wearied by the last few weeks of doom.

Let’s also see some of the academy stars who are desperate to wear that red jersey and force their way into a struggling United side.

Shea Lacey really cannot do any worse than Amad Diallo, who missed a hat-full of chances against Chelsea. He must start.

Harry Amass should get the nod at left back. It is criminal he has not played more games, especially with Luke Shaw’s lengthy injury.

It would be good to see a Fletcher (Tyler or Jack or both) given a chance in midfield and perhaps pacy winger Tynan Thompson too.

If only JJ Gabriel was not training on his own in Spain after not making the Champions League squad. This would have been a good opportunity for him to get some first-team minutes.

But throw in Kobbie Mainoo, and we have the makings of a much more youthful-looking team that can put in an energetic performance. If they come off, then great; if not, it really does not matter that much.

I am dreaming of course. It won’t happen because of the huge pressure Carrick is under. He will no doubt seek to rely on his experienced players to see off a decent side who are currently third in Serie A.

If that is the case, then they really must start performing. They must be much harder to get through in defence and far more clinical up front.

So there are happy memories there for him and the players to feed off. Let's get that win to cheer the fans and keep the boardroom wolves at bay.

For the fans, any sort of win at the moment will do, even if it's an Arsenal-style, eeked-out, defensively-minded one-nil. That surely isn’t too crazy a thing to ask for, surely?