Manchester United Seek Lift from Shaw and De Ligt Against Brighton
Manchester United look to Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt for a lift tonight as they try to shake off the derby hangover and keep their Carabao Cup defence alive against Brighton at Old Trafford.
City’s 1-0 win on Sunday, sealed by a contentious Erling Haaland strike that United felt should have been ruled out, has left Michael Carrick’s side smarting. The response now comes in knockout football, and it could be boosted by two long-awaited returns.
Shaw and De Ligt near long-awaited comebacks
Luke Shaw is edging close to his first appearance of the season and is in contention to feature against the Seagulls. Even a short outing would be significant for a United back line that has looked fragile in the opening weeks.
Matthijs de Ligt is also nearing a return after being sidelined since November with a back problem. His absence has been keenly felt. Without the Dutchman’s authority, United’s defence has been far too easy to play through, and his comeback would give Carrick a major option as the fixtures start to pile up.
Neither is guaranteed to start, but both are firmly in the conversation for minutes tonight.
Rotation on Carrick’s mind
With a league trip to Fulham looming on Sunday and a three-week international break to follow, Carrick is expected to shuffle his pack.
- Senne Lammens is likely to make way in goal, with Karl Darlow in line for a start between the posts.
- At right-back, Diogo Dalot’s shaky derby display has opened the door for Noussair Mazraoui to come in and stake his claim.
- At centre-back, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been Carrick’s trusted pairing, yet the cup tie offers a natural window to rest both. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are ready to step in, and if Shaw is passed fit, he could slot in on the left and get valuable minutes ahead of Dorgu.
Wide options stretched
Shaw’s return would also give Carrick tactical flexibility. Dorgu, the Denmark international, may be pushed higher up the pitch and used as an out-and-out winger in the 4-2-3-1, which would allow Marcus Rashford to sit this one out and recharge.
On the opposite flank, the options are thinner. Amad Diallo’s ankle injury has left United light on the right side. That could force Bryan Mbeumo into the starting XI again, even with rotation planned, though youngster Shea Lacey is waiting in the wings if Carrick decides to roll the dice on youth.
Midfield balance and Bruno’s grip on No 10
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans have emerged as Carrick’s preferred double pivot, offering control and craft. The cup, though, is an ideal stage to hand minutes to Andrey Santos, who is pushing for more involvement.
Carlos Baleba, another of the summer recruits, remains out with an ankle issue, narrowing the options in the engine room.
Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is expected to keep his place as the No 10, the creative heartbeat who rarely sits out big games. Mason Mount, unused against City, provides a ready-made alternative if Carrick chooses to rotate his captain or tweak the shape.
United arrive wounded, under scrutiny, and with decisions to make. Brighton arrive sensing vulnerability. Whether Shaw and De Ligt can help steady the ship tonight may tell us plenty about where this season is really heading.
