Michael Carrick could have the ideal opening to try a different attacking setup against Sabah, while there has also been an injury setback involving Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.

Carrick is likely to be unhappy with Manchester United’s start to the 2026/27 season, with the side taking four points from their first three Premier League matches.

After playing free-scoring football under Carrick last season, that trend has continued into the new campaign, although they have looked unsteady at the back.

Manchester United have netted seven times and let in six goals across their opening three Premier League fixtures, so there is clearly scope for improvement.

The Red Devils face a demanding week, beginning with their first Champions League group-stage match against Sabah FK on Thursday, before taking on Manchester City in the season’s first Manchester derby at the weekend.

Before those fixtures, Carrick has several selection issues to resolve, including whether to hand striker Benjamin Sesko a start.

Across Manchester United’s first three matches, Sesko has only appeared in brief substitute roles, but he did get on the scoresheet in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Everton.

Carrick’s handling of Sesko has sparked suggestions that the head coach does not fully trust him, but he said over the weekend that the forward is being carefully brought back after a shin injury.

Matheus Cunha has started all of Manchester United’s opening three Premier League games as a false nine, but he has struggled in that role and has since been omitted from the Brazil squad for this international break.

With Marcus Rashford having picked up a knock at the weekend, 24ur Sport reports that it “seems like the perfect opportunity” for Carrick to start Sesko against Sabah, with Cunha or Patrick Dorgu potentially operating on the left.

Particularly if Rashford is not fit for Thursday night, Manchester United may be light in attacking areas because they are already without Amad Diallo.

Diallo has missed the beginning of the season because of a muscle injury, and a fresh report from The Daily Mail says he is not expected back before this month’s international break.

The report explained:

“United miss the direct running of Amad, who hasn’t resumed training outside yet and may not re-appear until after the international break.”