Man Utd Morning Round-Up, Wednesday 21st October 2026: Carrick Demands Clean Sheets as Injury-Hit United Head to Como
Michael Carrick says his side need to start keeping more clean sheets if they are to turn their season around, with the Champions League trip to Como up next (BBC Sport). The United boss is dealing with a lengthy casualty list, with Manchester Evening News running through the latest injury news and possible return dates for the likes of Rashford, Mainoo and Shaw (Manchester Evening News), while a separate report suggests as many as 19 players could be missing for the trip to Italy (Manchester Evening News). There are also concerns over the weather in Como, with reports suggesting the fixture could even face a postponement threat due to conditions this evening (Manchester Evening News).
Ahead of kick-off, Manchester Evening News have published their predicted lineup along with the "headache" Carrick faces in team selection (Manchester Evening News), and their writers have also given their own preferred starting XIs (Manchester Evening News). Bruno Fernandes, United's out-of-form captain, is said to be facing a big night as Carrick may need to stick to previous promises regarding his role (Manchester Evening News). Elsewhere, Manchester Evening News report on a former United player who says he wanted to retire at Old Trafford but that things "backfired" after he left for Como instead (Manchester Evening News).
On the transfer front, Sky Sports' review of the papers claims United are targeting two left-backs as part of a planned overhaul, with Lisandro Martinez reportedly facing the axe (Sky Sports). BBC Sport's gossip column adds that United have revisited interest in Lewis Hall and Adrien Truffert (BBC Sport). Separately, pundit Gordon Strachan has been quoted describing Martinez as "not that clever" and suggesting he should be grateful Erik ten Hag signed him from Ajax (TeamTalk). Meanwhile, Manchester Evening News report that Ten Hag has bemoaned a "double transfer failure" amid speculation over a potential managerial change (Manchester Evening News).
On the opposition, Sky Sports and BBC Sport both look at how Cesc Fabregas's Como side have prepared for what is being billed as a historic tie against United (Sky Sports) (BBC Sport). In a lighter note, Manchester Evening News report that Fabregas has finally admitted the truth behind the infamous "Pizzagate" incident involving Sir Alex Ferguson, more than a decade on (Manchester Evening News). ManUtd.com also shared some striking images of Como's stadium ahead of the game (ManUtd.com).
United take on Como away in Italy this evening in their third Champions League group game of the campaign (BBC Sport) (Manchester Evening News) (Manchester Evening News).
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