Carrick to start for Man Utd in EFL Cup

Michael Carrick is set to make his first start of the season tonight, as Manchester United take on Northampton Town in the EFL Cup third round, according to reports.

The Times is reporting that Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is set to hand a first start of the season to veteran midfielder Michael Carrick, as the Red Devils travel to Northampton to take on the Cobblers in the third round of the EFL Cup this evening.

United have suffered three losses in a row, having been defeated by Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford, and face the prospect of losing a fourth game in two weeks in the League One side pull off a classic cup upset tonight.

With that in mind, Mourinho has a selection dilemma on his hands. Ordinarily, in a match of this kind, the Red Devils would ring the changes and give playing time to youngsters and fringe squad players.

But Mourinho will be keen to ensure that United get back to winning ways, so he may consider fielding a stronger line up that would usually be the cape at this stage on the EFL Cup, in order to give his side the best chance of recording a convincing win.

With the club’s poor recent form, many fans have been clamouring for Carrick, 35, to be given a chance in the defensive midfield role.