What options do Man Utd have without Maguire and Martinez?
With Harry Maguire now suspended for the game against Chelsea, Manchester United's centre-back options are thin on the ground once again.
Lisandro Martinez is also banned after being dismissed for a hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin during Monday's 2-1 defeat to Leeds, and Matthijs de Ligt is still sidelined with a back injury that has kept him out since November.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are United's only natural centre-backs, but both have shown their inexperience this season, most notably Yoro in the defeat at Old Trafford on Monday.
Luke Shaw is perhaps a more tried and tested option, but the physical challenge of Joao Pedro could cause Carrick to pursue a more conventional option.
Casemiro famously played centre-back when the squad was stretched under Erik Ten Hag but it feels unlikely Carrick would restrict his side's limited options in midfield further, especially when Kobbie Mainoo's involvement is uncertain.
A final, more abstract option might be to delve into their deep youth ranks. Eighteen-year-old Godwill Kukonki would be the obvious option as he featured in several matchday squads under Ruben Amorim.
Carrick may find himself swayed to make that call by impressive performances by other young centre-backs in recent seasons, most notably Willy Kambwala in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in April 2024.
A tough dilemma for the United boss as he looks to bounce back from a first home defeat in charge.
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