Man Utd facing defensive shortage ahead of Como clash

Manchester United were without a host of first-team players in training ahead of their Champions League trip to Como.

Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko were all absent from Tuesday morning’s session at Carrington.

Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte also remain out with longer term issues.

Martinez was withdrawn at half-time during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United, with Noussair Mazraoui replacing him.

Heaven missed the game at Elland Road through illness, having started at left-back against Atletico Madrid.

Shaw and Mainoo have now missed United’s last two matches, while Rashford is continuing to manage an injury issue.

There was more positive news on Matthijs de Ligt, who has returned to the group following surgery on a back problem, although he is yet to feature since his recovery.

Leny Yoro will also miss the Como game through suspension.

Youngsters Dan Armer and Jaydan Kamason were both involved in training as Michael Carrick’s side prepared to travel to Italy for their third Champions League fixture of the season.