Back
Michael Carrick needs to get it right this weekend as Manchester United host Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
Manchester United are back in action against Bournemouth this afternoon with Michael Carrick's future on the line. Potentially only a win will be enough to keep Carrick in charge for the trip to Stamford Bridge next week. The Como defeat was incredibly disappointing but Carrick does not have many options to change his team.
Ayden Heaven is back in the group having overcome illness. However, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford remain doubts after Carrick did not provide an update on their fitness. Benjamin Sesko, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Manuel Ugarte all remain out.
Leny Yoro is available again after being suspended for the midweek Champions League tie. MEN Sport asked our United writers to pick their teams to face the Cherries at Old Trafford.
Steven Railston
Carrick spoke passionately at his press conference on Friday, and we will see whether the players are behind him based on their response against Bournemouth today.
It feels like Carrick has one foot out the door already, so he desperately needs a win against a Bournemouth team who have just discovered form, winning three games on the bounce.
The injury list means Carrick's hands are tied to some extent. If Martinez is available, I would bring him back into the starting team. His explosive interview after Atletico Madrid was a dig at the club, not Carrick, and he is at least the kind of player you want in the trenches.
Noussair Mazraoui was shocking against Como and should be dropped to the bench to accommodate Heaven. I would also start Rashford down the left side after Matheus Cunha's squabble with Carrick in Italy earlier in the week.
Steven's team for Bournemouth.
Jack Flintham
Yoro could be the answer at right-back to replace Mazraoui. Diogo Dalot would be a better option on the left than Heaven in my opinion, but neither solution is ideal.
Carlos Baleba has to come back in and while he could partner Andrey Santos, Mason Mount might be a better alternative if he can show his pre-season form.
Youri Tielemans should be sacrificed to play Bruno Fernandes in his preferred role. He has been trialled across attacking midfield and as a false nine, but he is best behind the striker. Speaking of which, Bryan Mbeumo should be moved again to lead the line.
Jack's Manchester United side to face Bournemouth