United have kept one clean sheet in ten matches
The only clean sheet this season came against Sabah. United kept six in Carrick’s 17 matches last season, compared with nine in 63 games under Ruben Amorim, but the current side have again allowed opponents too many clear chances.
Carrick said defending is a responsibility for the whole team rather than only the back four. United need to reduce the number of attacks that reach their penalty area and then deal more calmly with the chances that remain.
Matthijs de Ligt is available again
Matthijs de Ligt is fit after 11 months out following back surgery. His return gives Carrick another central-defence option for the match at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium.
Lisandro Martinez is absent with a thigh injury and Leny Yoro is suspended. Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are also unavailable, so Carrick will still have to change the defensive unit rather than restore a settled first-choice group.
| Team update | Position before the Como match |
|---|---|
| Clean sheets | One in ten matches this season |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Available after 11 months out |
| Lisandro Martinez | Out with a thigh injury |
| Leny Yoro | Suspended |
| Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo | Unavailable |
Left-back has changed in five of the first six league matches
Diogo Dalot became the fifth different player to start at left-back when United drew at Leeds. Harry Amass is another option and could become the sixth player used there this season.
Regular changes make it harder to build the understanding needed for a stable defensive line. The full-back must know when to press, when to stay narrow and who covers the space behind, while the central defenders need to make the same decisions at the same time.
Como provide the next chance to change the pattern
United face Como away in the Champions League on Wednesday. A clean sheet would give the side a practical base for the result and would also reduce the pressure on an attack that has often needed more than one goal to win.
Carrick’s message is clear: United cannot rely on recovering after conceding. Better organisation without the ball must begin with the forwards and midfielders before the defence deals with the final pass.