Manchester United Face Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo Fitness Race Before Atletico Madrid Clash

Manchester United head to Madrid with a problem, and Michael Carrick knows it. Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are both doubts for the Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, and neither trained with the squad on Monday morning at Carrington.

That matters. Shaw started in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, then went off in stoppage time and was later seen limping away from Old Trafford. Mainoo completed the full match, but his absence from training has put him under the same cloud. Carrick is expected to clarify matters when he names the travelling squad and speaks later on Monday.

Luke Shaw absence could force defensive reshuffle

If Shaw misses out, United have a genuine issue at left-back. Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are already unavailable, which leaves Carrick short of natural options. The straightforward fix is to move Diogo Dalot across from right-back. It is practical, it keeps the rest of the back line stable, and it avoids overcomplicating things before a difficult away tie.

There are other solutions, though each carries more risk. Lisandro Martinez could shift wider, or one of the younger options, Ayden Heaven or Harry Amass, could be used from the start. In a match of this level, that would be a significant call.

Kobbie Mainoo doubt tests midfield depth

Mainoo’s potential absence is less damaging structurally because United have numbers in midfield. Carlos Baleba is pushing for a full debut after his appearance off the bench against Spurs, while Andrey Santos is also in contention after missing the two matches around the international break.

Further forward, Bryan Mbeumo helped himself at the weekend with a goal and has strengthened his case to lead the line while Benjamin Sesko remains out. Around him, Carrick has decisions to make. Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha could keep their places, but Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee are pressing.

Predicted Manchester United XI for Atletico Madrid

United are expected to line up as follows: Lammens, Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Tielemans, Baleba, Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo.

Injured: Ugarte, Dorgu, Sesko, Mazraoui, Heaton. Doubts: Shaw, Mainoo, De Ligt.

Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Tuesday, October 12, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium.

For more on the build-up, see match coverage.