Manchester United Set to Rotate Against Brighton Amid Defensive Injury Crisis
Manchester United are expected to rotate for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton as Michael Carrick manages a squad already under defensive pressure.
Injuries have narrowed Carrick’s options and the cup match could offer fringe players a chance to stake a claim. United must also protect key men from further fitness problems and suspensions, with a demanding Champions League and domestic schedule ahead.
Defensive problems continue
United have taken four points from their opening four Premier League matches and have not recorded a clean sheet. They conceded two goals at Hull, shipped two against Ipswich at Old Trafford and were beaten at Everton before Erling Haaland scored City’s disputed late winner in the Manchester derby.
The early-season record has intensified scrutiny of United’s transfer approach. The club finished third last season to qualify for the Champions League, but allowed 50 goals in 38 league games. Arsenal, who won the title, conceded close to half that total.
United spent their 2026 summer budget on midfield after strengthening the forward line a year earlier, rather than adding defensive reinforcements.
Simpson questions United’s depth
Former United full-back Danny Simpson believes the team need greater consistency at the back, particularly with the Champions League league phase now consisting of eight matches and cup commitments adding further strain.
“They are letting in too many goals,” Simpson said. “They can be very good going forward, but it was clear they needed another left-back because Luke Shaw cannot be expected to play twice every week.
“Patrick Dorgu has played there, including against City, but he looked a useful attacking player before his injury last season. At centre-half, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are the two main players.”
Simpson also highlighted fluctuating performances from the full-backs, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot unable to establish sustained form.
“A defender cannot be outstanding one week and below par the next,” he added. “That can happen to a winger because you replace him after an hour, but a defence needs a settled back four delivering a solid level every match. If they are unavailable, who steps in?”
Yoro and injuries add to Carrick’s concerns
Dalot is injured, while Ayden Heaven has not featured since the Hull match. Simpson felt the opening-day trip was a difficult environment for the young defender, particularly against Hull forward Oliver McBurnie.
Leny Yoro is another player under focus. The Frenchman joined United from Lille in 2024 and has made 69 appearances, but Simpson believes the 20-year-old has not made the expected physical progress for Premier League football.
“Yoro has not really developed,” Simpson said. “He arrived young and slight, but after two years he does not look stronger or bigger. The Premier League is demanding.”
Simpson’s preferred first-choice unit remains Shaw, Martinez, Maguire and Dalot, but injuries and uneven form mean Carrick may have to alter that plan against Brighton. The immediate challenge is to get through the cup tie without worsening a defensive issue United have yet to solve.
