Man Utd play Como away in Italy in their third Champions League game of the campaign on Wednesday evening.

Michael Carrick has a selection headache for Manchester United's game against Como after Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven were ruled out of the clash.

Carrick spoke to the media in Como on Tuesday and confirmed that United's defensive options are depleted, with Martinez failing to recover from the knock he sustained against Leeds in time for the trip to Italy.

Heaven has not recovered from the bout of sickness that ruled him out at Elland Road, and Leny Yoro is unavailable due to suspension after his sending off against Atletico Madrid last week.

That means Carrick is expected to give Matthijs de Ligt his first start since picking up a back injury against Crystal Palace on November 30. The Dutchman required surgery earlier this year and only recently returned to full fitness.

"It's great to have him back," said Carrick of De Ligt. "He's had such a long journey, 11 months or so. He's been patient and has worked hard. We're delighted to have him back, he's ready."

Harry Maguire is the only other senior centre-back at Carrick's disposal, so he is a nailed-on starter, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are the only fit full-backs, meaning their places in the team seem guaranteed.

United could only manage a point against Leeds last weekend, extending their winless run to six games, but Carrick said the performance felt like a "fresh start", hinting a similar XI will be picked to face Como.

Predicted United XI vs Como: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Santos, Baleba, Tielemans, Amad, Mbeumo, Fernandes.