Carrick backs Yoro through tendon problem as United’s thin defence faces Roma
Michael Carrick is counting on Leny Yoro to anchor a stretched Manchester United defence against Roma at Old Trafford tonight. How the defender's knee holds up matters, with Carrick's options at the back already thin.
The strapping Yoro wore on his knee in training covers an issue that comes and goes.
His fitness matters more than usual. Yoro has been one of United’s best defenders this season. Sunday’s Villa game kicks off at 16:30 GMT. Any setback for Yoro would leave Carrick even shorter at the back.
UEFA’s matchday four preview has Yoro starting at centre-back alongside Harry Maguire. Patrick Dorgu (hamstring), Marcus Rashford (hip), Benjamin Šeško (shin) and Shaw (hamstring) are listed as out. Amad Diallo is doubtful with a muscle problem.
Dorgu has returned to training, but tonight comes too soon for him. Rashford’s fitness is being checked day by day. Next week is the earliest point at which Shaw could rejoin his teammates on the training pitch. That leaves United without a fit specialist left-back. Šeško and Manuel Ugarte are not expected back before the end of 2026.
Roma arrive with absences of their own
The visitors are also stretched. Koné and Pellegrini are out with hamstring problems, and goalkeeper Svilar is missing too. Paulo Dybala is a doubt because of a calf problem.
Roma’s league phase has been mixed. They drew 1-1 at Fenerbahçe, lost 4-3 at home to Real Madrid and beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0.
United opened their campaign by beating Sabah 4-0 at home on 10 September. Away defeats followed, 2-0 to Atlético de Madrid on 13 October and 4-1 to Como on 21 October.
Carrick has happy memories of this fixture. As a player, he scored twice in United’s 7-1 win over Roma in the 2007 quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford. That result sent United through 8-3 on aggregate.
A must-win night with Carrick’s future in question
The domestic picture offers no comfort. United are 17th in the Premier League, above the relegation zone only on goal difference.
Carrick first took the job in January. The club confirmed on 22 May that he had signed a contract as head coach. His position is now under threat.
A two-week international break starts next Monday. The Associated Press reported that the break is seen as a natural point for the club to decide Carrick’s future, after the Roma and Villa games.
Beyond tonight, the league phase continues away at Sporting CP on 25 November. Leipzig visit Old Trafford on 8 December. All clubs then play their final league phase games at the same time on 27 January 2027.
