Man Utd predicted starting XI vs Roma: Out-of-sorts trio dropped to the bench
Several Manchester United underperformers are expected to lose their starting berths when the struggling Premier League giants host Roma in the fourth matchday of the Champions League group stage.
The Red Devils have a mediocre 33% winning percentage in Europe this season, as after hammering Sabah on the opening day, they suffered back-to-back defeats at Atletico Madrid and Como.
And yet, their Champions League numbers are still better than their shameful Premier League record, having won a single game in nine.
After extending their winless streak to nine across all competitions, Man Utd are desperate for a reboot, so Michael Carrick will be called to make some changes, with his future at the club now hanging by a thread.
Man Utd must drop Lisandro Martinez
After calling out the top brass in a shocking post-match rant in Madrid, Lisandro Martinez’s popularity among MUFC players witnessed a meteoric surge.
But while the Argentine echoed the fans’ sentiments about the hierarchy, his performances in recent weeks have been emblematic of the plummeting quality at Carrington.
The centre-back has been guilty of costly mistakes at the back, especially against Fulham and Spurs, and he foolishly got himself sent off for a silly elbow to Wesley Fofana’s face in Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea.
Many believe that Lisandro is already plotting his next move, so Carrick, or whoever replaces him in the coming weeks, would be better off dropping him.
Predicted Man United lineup against Roma
Needless to say, Martinez’s poor form isn’t an isolated issue for Carrick, as the majority of his players have been underperforming.
But since dropping the entire team ahead of a Champions League game is impossible, only a few will be replaced. So, in addition to the Argentine defender, Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos could be benched after failing to inspire in their recent outings.
Carrick is also without the injured Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, and Patrick Dorgu, while Leny Yoro is doubtful after picking up a knock at Stamford Bridge.
Since Matthijs de Ligt seemed to be lacking match fitness in Como, the manager could resort to Ayden Heaven alongside Harry Maguire at the heart of the backline, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are the obvious options at full-back.
The good news for Carrick is that Kobbie Mainoo has returned from injury. The 21-year-old assumed media duty on Monday, which hints at a starting role. The England international could start for the first time alongside Carlos Baleba, in what is theoretically United’s best midfield combination.
Carrick must be worried about Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-pressing team, so he could decide to add an additional midfielder in Youri Tielemans, while shifting Bruno Fernandes to the left side.
Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best performers in recent games, so he should keep his place on the right wing, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the line instead of the overlooked Joshua Zirkzee.
Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Baleba; Amad, Tielemans, Fernandes; Mbeumo
