Manchester United were certainly robbed yesterday, losing the home edition of the Manchester Derby, 1-0, with the only goal of the game, scored by Erling Haaland, coming on a controversial call. After the match was over, Pro Ref issued an official public apology to United, in which they admitted there was an “error of judgment.” But that really is no consolation for them, as it’s just lip service. It doesn’t change the Premier League standings, at all. However, there is also no time to lament about it, given how the next match, a visit from Brighton & Hove Albion for an EFL Cup third round tie occurs on Wednesday night. There is only one major team news concern here- left back Luke Shaw, who missed the derby, due to a thigh injury.
EFL Cup Third Round FYIs
Brighton & Hove Albion at Manchester United
Kickoff: Wed Sept. 16, 8pm
Venue: Old Trafford, Stretford, UK
Referee: Farai Hallam
“Luke is not quite ready,” manager Michael Carrick said after the match. “But he is very close. It’s very small but, unfortunately, not for today.” Perhaps he’ll bne 100% match fit for the cup clash in midweek.
Man United Team News
Outside of Luke Shaw, there are no updates to the team news. Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (unspecified muscular problem), Matthijs de Ligt (recovering from back surgery) and Manuel Ugarte (ACL) remain out.
So while we don’t expect Carrick to really do squad rotation on Wednesday, we do expect some changes from yesterday. Overall, it will still be a very strong side.
Man United Predicted Starting XI
Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw; Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Sesko
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.