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Matthijs De Ligt Handed Starting Chance vs Como As Man Utd Dealt Blow
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- Matthijs De Ligt Handed Starting Chance vs Como As Man Utd Dealt Blow
Manchester United return to Champions League action tomorrow evening, as they face Cesc Fabregas' Como side in their debut year in the competition.
Despite their relative inexperience in European football, Como will pose a tough test for Michael Carrick's side, especially given United's form this term.
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The Red Devils have won just two games in 2026/27, having drawn against Leeds United last time out. Bryan Mbeumo found the back of the net to break the deadlock before Dominic Calvert-Lewin levelled the game.
In the Champions League, Manchester United have won one and lost one: a 4-0 win against Sabah FK and a 2-0 loss against Atletico Madrid – a game which was overshadowed by Lisandro Martínez's post-match comments.
Como could be a crucial game in Michael Carrick's Old Trafford future, though he does not have everyone available to him.
Man Utd suffer injury blows
Leny Yoro was handed a late red card against Atletico Madrid, ruling him out of the trip to Como.
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Lisandro Martínez was withdrawn at half-time against Leeds United after picking up a thigh problem in the first 45 minutes.
This leaves just Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt as senior central defenders spotted in training ahead of the flight to Italy.
Young Dan Armer (alongside right-back Jaydan Kamason) was also pictured in first-team training, but another absentee was Ayden Heaven, who was not in the squad at Elland Road.
Steven Railston reported that a decision could be made this afternoon to include players who have not trained in the squad, potentially making Heaven a late addition after an illness ruled him out against Leeds.
Has Michael Carrick Reached The Beginning Of The End? Como Will Be The Answer
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Is De Ligt ready to return?
Matthijs de Ligt has not played for Manchester United since 30 October 2025 against Crystal Palace due to a back problem, which required surgery earlier this year.
Michael Carrick has been cautious about putting a timeline on the Dutch defender, but with few other options available, De Ligt may finally return to the pitch for United.
Before his injury, De Ligt was considered one of the better players under Rúben Amorim, but his only minutes in a Manchester United shirt under Michael Carrick came in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport.
If Wednesday evening is seen as too soon for the Dutchman – which is a very real possibility – Carrick could be forced to field a centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, who started in central defence last season alongside Ayden Heaven at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Carrick will likely speak on the centre-back department at his pre-match press conference at 18:30 BST.
