Manchester United’s Champions League campaign has already been tested by injury, and now the Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Sunday adds another layer of complexity. Two of their most important defenders, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw, were absent from training on Monday, raising questions about their availability for the trip to Elland Road. The decision on whether either player will travel is expected to be made later today, leaving manager Michael Carrick with a critical tactical puzzle to solve.

The absence of Shaw and Mainoo compounds an already fragile defensive structure. Shaw, who was substituted late in United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Saturday, has been a consistent presence in the left-back role this season. His departure would force Carrick to rely on younger options, potentially destabilizing a unit that has struggled defensively in recent weeks. Mainoo, meanwhile, has been a reliable force in midfield, and his absence would further thin United’s depth at a position already weakened by the injury to Noussair Mazraoui.

The striker situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Benjamin Sesko, who has been battling a persistent shin splint, remains uncertain for the Leeds game. Despite Yorke’s insistence that Sesko must be the undisputed first-choice striker upon his return, the striker’s fitness is far from guaranteed. Sesko’s absence would leave United without a clear frontman, forcing Carrick to rely on Patrick Dorgu or other options, neither of whom have provided consistent performances this season.

With Atletico Madrid waiting in the Champions League on Tuesday night, United’s immediate priority is to navigate the Leeds fixture with whatever personnel they can muster. The Whites, currently favored by bookmakers, pose a formidable challenge, and United’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited if Shaw and Mainoo remain unavailable. The decision on whether to send a weakened side to Elland Road will be one of the most critical tactical calls Carrick faces this season.