Manchester United are preparing for another important European fixture as Michael Carrick looks to turn around a difficult run of results.

United travel to Italy this week hoping to respond after losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in their previous Champions League outing.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United offered little relief, with United again failing to turn a first-half advantage into victory.

United have also been forced to navigate several fitness problems, leaving Carrick with important decisions to make before naming his next starting XI.

With Leny Yoro suspended following his dismissal against Atletico, the manager has even less room for manoeuvre in defence.

Manchester United star misses training ahead of Como clash

According to Nathan Salt on X, Marcus Rashford was among six players missing from Manchester United’s training session on Tuesday, raising fresh questions about his availability for Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Como.

Rashford’s absence is particularly noteworthy because he was named on the bench for Sunday’s draw against Leeds but did not come on.

Before that match, Carrick explained that the forward had been carrying a minor issue and that the club were managing his workload.

His absence from the latest session does not automatically confirm that he will miss the Como game, but his fitness will be one of the key points to monitor before kick-off.

Lisandro Martinez is another concern after being withdrawn at half-time against Leeds.

Carrick confirmed that the Argentine defender had felt a problem with his thigh, leaving his availability for the trip to Italy uncertain.

With Yoro suspended, another absence in central defence would create an additional selection headache for the United manager.

Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw were also absent from the session.

Both players missed the Atletico Madrid match, and their fitness has been a concern in the build-up to the Como fixture.

Mainoo’s potential absence limits United’s midfield options, while Shaw’s situation could leave Carrick needing another solution at left-back.

Patrick Dorgu was among the other players missing from training.

The Danish international has been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained while representing his country, and he has already missed recent matches.

Ayden Heaven was also absent after illness kept him out of the Leeds starting XI.

Carrick previously explained that the teenager had been unwell, so his latest absence should not automatically be interpreted as a fresh injury.

United’s immediate priority is to establish which players are available before travelling to Italy.

Marcus Rashford remains the main talking point given his recent involvement from the bench, but Martinez’s thigh issue and the ongoing situations involving Mainoo and Shaw could prove equally important to the team’s balance.

Carrick is expected to provide further clarity when he addresses the media, with United needing a positive European result to end their difficult run.

No sign of Martinez, Rashford, Mainoo, Shaw or Dorgu at training this morning.

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— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) October 20, 2026