United are finally back in action as they welcome an old foe in Leeds to Old Trafford on Monday night.
Michael Carrick unusually spoke to the media on Saturday afternoon but provided us on updates to Martinez, Dorgu, De Ligt, Mount. Spoke about the rivalry with Leeds and how it is a big game on Monday night.
Carrick confirms that despite the returns of Dorgu and Martinez to training, the Dane will miss out on Monday whereas Martinez is still a doubt as United don't want to rush the butcher back.
The United boss also said that De Ligt is not quite ready to return to the grass while he's happy to see Mount return.
With Mount, he believes his versatility is a strength of his. "He can play through the middle, he can play midfield, he can play wide and he can do so many different roles."
He spoke about the intensity and emotion of the rivalry between United and Leeds and that it's a good thing to be a part of. He and the players are aware of the size of the rivalry but that can be extra motivation to get the 3 points. "So yeah, we're looking forward to it. It's a big night for us."
Carrick is hopeful that the atmosphere inside Old Trafford will be "alive". The interim feels that his players have thrived off of the atmosphere as well.
Final Thoughts
If there is no Martinez, then it will be very interesting, and sort of exciting, to see the young centre-back pairing of Yoro and Heaven start because with Martinez out, De Ligt injured and Maguire suspended, we have no one else.
That should make things a lot more intriguiging.
As for Mount, he actually ticks a lot of boxes for what we want in a player with his versatility being one of his main strengths. The problem with him is his injuries. We simply cannot rely on him.
I like the player. Thought it was odd when we signed him from Chelsea, but I do like the player. If he was available all the time, I don't think we'd be looking too much at signing another attacking midfielder or winger. Mount can do both roles.
Tbh though, if possible, I would let him go. Waste of space in the squad and he earns a lot of money.
The game on Monday is massive, not just because of the rivalry but because by the time we play, the gap between us Chelsea and Liverpool could be closed and Villa may have overtaken us.
That could give us an added incentive to go and get the win.
But I think there's already enough of incentive. Knowing the history of the rivalry and what it means to the fans, the fact that another win will put us closer to UCL football, the players will be up for it.
Hopefully 😅.
Here's my preview for the game.