clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Michael Carrick starts in defence as Manchester United take on Midtjylland

The teams are out for the second leg of Manchester United's meeting with Midtyjlland.

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

If Manchester United are to overturn their 2-1 deficit against Midtylland at Old Trafford later today, they'll have to do so with a rather makeshift back line. The absence of Chris Smalling means Michael Carrick starts alongside Daley Blind at the centre of defence, with Marcos Rojo unfit after a long layoff and Paddy McNair presumably deemed a worse option.

Just as concerning are the full-back positions, with youngster Guillermo Varela starting on the right, and Joe Riley coming in for the injured Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on the left. It's The Blackpool-born teenager's first start for the club.

The good news is that United's front six is arguably as strong a team as Van Gaal could field. The Morgan Schneiderlin-Ander Herrera axis has shown promise recently, while Jesse Lingard is fit to start out on the right. Juan Mata, Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial complete the team.