Man Utd predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid: Baleba and Dalot to come in

Manchester United’s predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid includes starts for Carlos Baleba and Diogo Dalot after Michael Carrick confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw had not travelled to Spain.

The pair picked up problems in Saturday’s draw with Tottenham, forcing changes in midfield and defence for Tuesday’s Champions League match.

Matthijs de Ligt is back in the travelling squad, but his return leaves Carrick with a separate decision over how quickly to reintroduce the defender.

Man Utd predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Baleba, Tielemans; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

This is our selection forecast. United’s starting team will be confirmed before the 8pm BST kick-off.

Dalot could replace Shaw at left-back

Shaw’s absence creates the most immediate defensive problem, with Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui also unavailable.

We expect Dalot to move into the left-back position, allowing Leny Yoro to continue on the right and Harry Maguire to partner Lisandro Martinez centrally.

That would preserve most of the defence which started the 1-1 draw against Tottenham, while accommodating the enforced change.

Dalot replaced Yoro during the second half on Saturday. This time, Carrick may need both from the start.

De Ligt’s inclusion in the squad gives United another option after his lengthy absence with a back injury. However, travelling does not establish that he is ready to start, and our forecast retains Maguire and Martinez.

Baleba’s opportunity in midfield

Mainoo’s absence opens a place alongside Youri Tielemans, with Baleba our choice to come into the side.

The Cameroon midfielder replaced Tielemans in the 59th minute against Spurs. Starting them together would give Carrick a different partnership behind Bruno Fernandes.

United have published a positive fitness update on Fernandes, and we expect the captain to retain the central attacking role.

The selection question is how Carrick balances that creativity with the work required behind the ball against Atletico.

Mbeumo to lead the attack

With Benjamin Sesko sidelined, we expect Bryan Mbeumo to continue through the middle, supported by Amad and Matheus Cunha.

Mbeumo scored United’s opener against Tottenham from Cunha’s assist before Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time.

Joshua Zirkzee offers another option if Carrick wants to change the attack. Our prediction keeps the four attacking players who started at the weekend, with the enforced alterations coming behind them.

United began their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory over Sabah. Atletico lost their opener 2-1 at Liverpool.

Tuesday’s match at the Metropolitano kicks off at 8pm BST, with live UK coverage on Prime Video.

Related: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Man Utd: Yoro sent off as Carrick’s side suffer European setback · Man Utd XI vs Atletico Madrid: Rashford and Baleba start as Carrick makes five changes · Man Utd’s pressing problem: What Carrick must fix before Atletico