Manchester United were down to one centre-back against Chelsea, but Michael Carrick won’t be caught so short against Brentford.
Ayden Heaven was brilliant against Chelsea, but Michael Carrick will be thrilled to have more options against Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Manchester United will have Harry Maguire back from his suspension, having served an extra game for swearing at a fourth official against Bournemouth, allegedly.
However, Carrick suggested Leny Yoro’s return is not 100%, despite the optimism that he would return for the game. As a result, Carrick has drafted a youngster into training.
Leny Yoro is uncertain to be fit vs Brentford: Are you happy with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven starting the game regardless?
Harry Maguire is back from suspension
Sonny Aljofree takes Leny Yoro’s place in Manchester United training
With Yoro not back in training, Carrick was still light one centre-back for sessions, with Matthijs de Ligt still no closer to making his return from injury.
According to Samuel Luckhurst, the youngster selected to step up was Sonny Aljofree.
Currently, the captain of the U21s, Aljofree, was also spotted in training clips as he got the chance to impress Carrick and the first-team staff.
The 21-year-old is probably the most suitable academy centre-back to step up if required, given his experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Notts County.
On this loan, Aljofree even competed against Liverpool in the FA Cup, which is an experience enough to prove he could do a job.
How confident are you that Manchester United will win vs Brentford?
Godwill Kukonki is probably the top defensive prospect
While Aljofree got the call, there are potentially other factors behind this.
This is likely because Godwill Kukonki was involved in United U18s defeat in the Premier League Cup final to Crystal Palace, playing the entire game.
Kukonki missed the decisive penalty in the shootout, but his performance all-around was excellent, and he hammered home why he is considered highly.
If available, he probably would have stepped in for Carrick. However, Aljofree benefited from the 18-year-old having commitments with the U18s.
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