Man Utd vs Hull City is less than two weeks away and Michael Carrick still has four major selection decisions to make.
Much of his strongest XI is beginning to take shape, but the final pre-season games against Leeds United and AC Milan could decide who starts at right-back, centre-back, central midfield and on the left wing.
United have two friendlies remaining before competitive football begins, with Leeds followed by AC Milan in Poland. ReadManUtd’s Leeds preview also highlighted the return of Marcus Rashford to Carrick’s group following his spell away from Old Trafford.
The next few days could therefore have a significant impact on Carrick’s team at Hull.
Man Utd vs Hull City defence still has two vacancies
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw appear well placed to begin the Premier League season, but the other two defensive positions remain far less certain.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are battling for the right-back position.
Leny Yoro has played there during pre-season but looks increasingly likely to compete centrally instead.
That creates another decision alongside Maguire.
Ayden Heaven had been building a strong case after starting four consecutive friendlies, but struggled during the first half of the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain. Yoro replaced him centrally after the break and could now move ahead.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to grass work but remains behind both in terms of match fitness.
Carrick therefore has two games to decide whether experience or pre-season rhythm matters more.
Tielemans can take advantage of Mount uncertainty
Andrey Santos has done enough during the summer to put himself in a strong position to start at Hull.
The bigger question concerns his partner.
Mason Mount had appeared to be leading that race before being withdrawn against PSG. The problem was described as precautionary, but any disruption creates an opportunity for Youri Tielemans.
ReadManUtd previously analysed why Mount’s deeper role cannot be the permanent answer, and Tielemans offers Carrick a different type of control alongside Santos.
The Belgian produced some sharp forward passing after coming on against PSG and should receive more minutes against Leeds.
If Mount misses either of United’s remaining friendlies, Tielemans could quickly move ahead.
Rashford return changes Carrick’s left-wing decision
The most intriguing battle may now be on the left.
Patrick Dorgu has started all four pre-season matches and appears to have taken advantage of his opportunities. Matheus Cunha, however, missed the PSG game through illness after entering the summer as one of Carrick’s more established attacking options.
Then there is Rashford.
ReadManUtd examined on Monday whether Rashford deserves another chance at Old Trafford, and his return to training has added another senior option to Carrick’s attack.
He may not have enough time to build the fitness required to start at Hull, but strong appearances against Leeds and Milan could at least force his way into the conversation.
Bryan Mbeumo’s three goals across his last two appearances make his position far more secure, while Bruno Fernandes and Amad also appear likely starters.
Carrick’s first XI is therefore beginning to emerge.
The final four decisions are not minor ones. They could determine the balance of United’s defence, midfield and attack when the Premier League campaign finally begins.
