Manchester United are heading into a massive Champions League clash against Atletico de Madrid with significant squad updates that could dictate the outcome in the Spanish capital. Following an impressive 4-0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford, head coach Michael Carrick provided crucial insights during his press conference regarding player availability, fitness concerns, and young talents stepping up.
While spirits are high after their strong start to the competition, United face notable selection challenges. Left-back Luke Shaw and rising midfielder Kobbie Mainoo are officially ruled out after sustaining injuries during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
”They’ve not travelled, they both picked up issues in the game on Saturday [against Spurs] and we were working through that, to see what that looks like,” Carrick explained. “At the moment, they are not ready for the game tomorrow.”
Despite those absences, along with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, and Benjamin Šeško being sidelined, United’s depth is receiving a major lift. Defender Matthijs de Ligt has travelled with the team alongside highly regarded youngster Dan Armer.
”We’re not light on numbers, no,” Carrick added. “Of course, we’ve got a couple of issues with some players missing out but we’re definitely not light on numbers. It’s good for Dan to be part of it and for younger players to sample it, the build-up to the game, and get a sense of it. It’s good to have Matta in and around it. We’ve had a little bit of patience with him, working through that and working hard to get to this stage. He’s had a long journey so we’re delighted to have him back.”
The fixture also features compelling individual storylines: Matheus Cunha could feature against his former club, Marcus Rashford returns to Spain after his loan spell at Barcelona last season, and Amad is pushing for minutes after making his first appearance of the campaign against Spurs.
On the other side, Atletico boss Diego Simeone appears to have a fully fit squad. Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth both returned from injury lay-offs during their weekend win over Alaves, while Arnau Ortiz is available following a European suspension. Argentina forward Julian Alvarez is also building match fitness after featuring for 45 minutes as a half-time substitute over the weekend.
Bruno Fernandes Fitness Fears Quashed
Addressing lingering concerns over captain Bruno Fernandes, Carrick pushed back against rumors that an ongoing injury niggle would keep the midfielder out. Fernandes had been managing a minor issue sustained in the previous Champions League tie against Sabah, which caused him to miss a fixture while on international duty with Portugal.
However, Carrick made it clear that the skipper is fully ready for action.
”I mean there was a lot made of it [when he was away with Portugal],” Carrick said. “He was playing and he was carrying something. But I think that happens a lot, people don’t maybe realise it, but it happens a lot. Players play with issues, I’ve played myself and have probably played 80 per cent of the games with some sort of issues, as you go through your career. It’s not ideal but it’s kind of manageable.”
He continued: “Some players are able to play with a bit more or a bit less than others, and Bruno was able to play the games. And he has the commitment that he’s got, to do that. So, yeah, he’s pretty much over it. It’s still there slightly but, as I said, I could go through the whole squad pointing out these little bits here and there. So, right now, it’s not a major deal. He’s in good shape and he was really bright this morning and looking forward to the game.”
When asked if the captain could rediscover the sensational form that saw him sweep individual awards last season, the manager showed complete belief in his star performer.
”It’s pretty obvious to say that he can,” asserted Carrick. “I mean he’s a top player, Bruno. Sometimes, things don’t quite go for you, you know, and sometimes you have a spell of that. He’s done some incredible things for this football club and he will do the same in the future, there’s no doubt about it.”
Carrick concluded by emphasizing that every position in the starting lineup must be earned on merit, reinforcing high squad standards across the board.
”This is not on Bruno, this line,” insisted Carrick. “Nobody is guaranteed a place in the team. And don’t take that as, all of a sudden on Bruno, I mean that’s just in general, you know. There’s a level of performance, a level of understanding that we need, as a group and as a squad and as a team, to perform and all the boys know that. They understand that, they’ve got their own standards. They want to achieve things and they want to be at their best. I think that’s pretty clear and it has to be that way.”