Carrick: Clean sheets key as United's defence crumbles — SkimNews
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- Michael Carrick acknowledged United's lack of clean sheets, noting the team has kept only one shutout in 10 games this season, against Sabah FK.
- Manchester United have fielded the same back four just once this season, with Carrick citing continuity as a key challenge amid ongoing injuries.
- Matthijs de Ligt is fit after 11 months out with a back injury but remained on the bench against Leeds as Noussair Mazraoui filled in centrally due to Lisandro Martinez's thigh injury.
- Leny Yoro is suspended, Luke Shaw remains sidelined for several weeks, and Kobbie Mainoo will miss 10 days, further thinning United's defensive options.
- Ayden Heaven and Harry Amass have been considered at left-back, with Carrick stating Amass is 'right in contention' despite limited appearances and internal doubts about his readiness.
- Carrick defended United's summer transfer decisions, calling Andrey Santos a 'big part' of the window and insisting the club made the best of a constrained situation.
Why it matters: United’s inability to secure defensive consistency directly undermines their European and domestic campaigns, with only one clean sheet in 10 games. The lack of investment in left-back and recurring injuries mean Carrick must rely on untested youth or repositioned players, increasing the risk of costly errors at a critical stage.
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