Michael Carrick has confirmed that Luke Shaw was unavailable for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Manchester City due to a 'very small' injury setback. The United manager revealed the news ahead of the derby at Old Trafford, where Shaw had been expected to start after being rested in midweek.
Shaw's season so far and the setback
Shaw, 31, had started all three of United's opening Premier League matches against Hull City, Ipswich and Everton after enjoying a long summer break without international football. However, he was given a 'designated rest day' for the Red Devils' Champions League contest with Sabah on Thursday night, along with fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Given that 19-year-old academy product Harry Amass is the only other specialist left-back at the club this season, Shaw had been expected to return to Carrick's starting XI for the derby. United had explored options in the summer transfer market to strengthen the position but failed to bring in any cover for Shaw, with Newcastle blocking a move for top target Lewis Hall.
Carrick's explanation and team news
Asked how close Shaw was to making his starting XI, Carrick told Sky Sports: 'Close, very close but just not quite there. It's very small but unfortunately not for today.'
As a result, Patrick Dorgu has been given the nod at left-back this afternoon, as he did versus Sabah in midweek. The Dane lines up alongside Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot in a new-look back four. Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo start in midfield behind club captain Bruno Fernandes, while Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford support Matheus Cunha in a three-pronged attack.
On his decision to start Dorgu, Carrick added: 'Pat is a good player and he's played there before so I fully trust in Pat. He played very well in midweek. It's a slightly different game today but we fully trust him. It's always about your team-mates helping each other and we'll look for that today.'
Striker competition and Cunha's continued start
Benjamin Sesko put his hand up for selection by coming on and scoring United's second in a 2-2 draw away to Everton last weekend. The Slovenia international also found the net in the side's 4-0 victory at home to Sabah, finishing off a slick team move to put the hosts out of sight on the stroke of half-time.
But Cunha keeps his place through the middle for a fourth game in succession in the Premier League, despite not yet opening his account for the new top-flight campaign. Pressed on how close Sesko was to starting, Carrick explained: 'Yeah, very. Ben is in a good place, he's obviously scored goals. Tactically, it's something a little bit different today for what we wanted to do and he wanted to have him to call upon [from the bench].'
