Manchester United boss Michael Carrick says his side must improve their defending as they prepare to face Como in the Champions League on Wednesday. Asked at his pre-match news conference in Como whether the lack of clean sheets was a problem, Carrick replied: "You're dead right. I can't argue with that." United have kept just one clean sheet in 10 games this season, against Sabah FK last month, and the issue predates this campaign. Under Carrick last term they managed six clean sheets in 17 matches, while predecessor Ruben Amorim's side recorded only nine in 63 games. By contrast, Arsenal have kept seven clean sheets in 11 matches this season.
Continuity has been hard to find. Only once has Carrick named the same back four, for the win over Ipswich and the trip to Everton. Matthijs de Ligt is back from a back injury but was on the bench at Leeds, while Lisandro Martinez missed the trip to Italy with a thigh problem. Leny Yoro is suspended, and Luke Shaw is not expected back until after the November international break.
The left-back situation has become a pressing concern. Shaw has played only twice since starting the first three games of the season, and Diogo Dalot became the fifth different player to start there in six games. Ayden Heaven, 20, has played more often at left-back than in the centre during his youth career, while 19-year-old Harry Amass has made just one substitute appearance this season.
Carrick insists young players will get their chance. "He's right in contention," he said of Amass. "At some point, young players need an opportunity." For now, United must find defensive stability quickly if they are to turn their season around.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing