Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick faces the biggest test of his time in charge so far with several major concerns arising ahead of Saturday’s game at Chelsea

Manchester United are staring at a crisis in defence heading into Saturday’s huge fixture at Chelsea – with three possible options available to Michael Carrick. The Reds could move 10 points clear of Liam Rosenior’s men, who sit just below the final Champions League qualification spot in sixth.

It could be argued that this weekend’s game at Stamford Bridge is United’s biggest of the season so far. Victory would make their life a whole lot easier as they seek a spot in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in three years.

Lose in west London and the pressure ramps up on Carrick’s team, who suffered a surprise loss at home to relegation battlers Leeds on Monday night. That loss to Daniel Farke’s men did a lot of damage, with centre-back Lisandro Martinez sent off in the second half and set to miss United’s next three games.

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Harry Maguire’s suspension and Matthijs de Ligt’s continued absence through injury mean Carrick has a major selection headache in central defence going into the weekend. That sore head may now be turning into a migraine for United’s interim head coach after Leny Yoro did not travel with the squad to London on Friday.

There are fears that the French centre-back has been added to a growing injury and suspension list at Old Trafford. The blow would be a major worry at such a crucial stage of the campaign.

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So what now for United? Carrick will be forced to improvise if Yoro isn’t available against the Blues.

Defensive midfielder Casemiro is a possible option to partner Ayden Heaven in central defence. The Brazilian’s lack of pace could be exposed, but Carrick is unlikely to play a high line away at Chelsea.

The 34-year-old’s experience could be a major asset to Heaven, 19, who impressed on his Premier League debut at home to former club Arsenal last season, but has struggled for game time so far in 2025/26.

Left-back Luke Shaw is another option having impressed at centre-back before. The 30-year-old is an excellent all-around defender who Carrick may have more confidence in when it comes to containing Chelsea’s attack.

Moving Shaw into central defence could then see either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui move to left-back. While United would be sacrificing a lot at full-back – it’s a case of needs must for Carrick’s threadbare defence.

Another option may be using Mazraoui at centre-back. The Moroccan has played there before for United, however, his poor performance against Leeds may give Carrick pause for thought.

It’s a dilemma United did not need with Reds fans facing the prospect of watching this weekend’s game behind their fingers.