Carrick's side will begin the new season away to newly-promoted Hull City on the opening weekend, but several key players are set to miss the clash. Manchester United finished third in the Premier League last term, losing just two of Michael Carrick's 17 matches in charge. However, the Red Devils boss will be without several players due to injury, including Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, and Benjamin Sesko.
The injuries have given Carrick a chance to prepare for how he will cope until their return. The former midfielder has used his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation throughout United's pre-season schedule, which was his preferred system as the Red Devils rallied to finish in the top four last term. Fortunately for him, first-choice stopper Senne Lammens is fit after featuring for Belgium at the World Cup.
Carrick's centre-back options have taken a hit due to Martinez and De Ligt's absence through injury. Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are likely to get the nod against Hull. Moving into midfield, summer signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have both featured heavily this summer and are set to form a new-look pairing in the centre of the park.
In front of them, captain Bruno Fernandes remains United's creator-in-chief when it comes to the four-man attack. Amad Diallo has solidified his starting role on the right in pre-season, but there is more of a debate to be had on the left wing. Matheus Cunha can be expected to begin the season on the left flank for United, with Bryan Mbeumo filling the void left by Sesko's enforced absence at centre-forward.
The 27-year-old Mbeumo scored 11 league goals during his first season with United. Manchester United will face Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, August 22 at 12.30pm, live on talkSPORT.