Wayne Rooney has urged Michael Carrick to make changes to his starting XI for the visit of Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon.
It comes after the Red Devils slumped to a 2-0 opening-day defeat at the hands of Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
What did Rooney have to say about United?
Now, Carrick and his men are preparing to face another newly-promoted outfit in the form of the Tractor Boys, who beat Sunderland 2-1 on matchday one.
Previewing the clash on Stick to United, Rooney said (as cited by The Mirror): “I’d change Luke Shaw, and I’d play [Patrick] Dorgu at left-back. Be a bit more aggressive. I don’t think we can rely on him to play all the games, so when you’re playing against a newly promoted team at home, I’d play Dorgu at left-back.
“I would have kept Dorgu on and put him at left-back in the Hull game. I’d play [Matheus] Cunha off the left, and I’d play [Marcus] Rashford up top.”
Since returning from his lengthy injury setback in May, Dorgu has been utilised in an advanced, attacking role on the left flank, as opposed to being deployed at left-back.
However, if United fail to sign a defender to provide coverage for Shaw before the transfer deadline, the Dutch international may have to occasionally revert to his old position to ensure Carrick has enough depth.
Kobbie Mainoo tipped for maiden start this weekend
Rooney also believes Kobbie Mainoo should make his first start in place of new signing Andrey Santos, who partnered Youri Tielemans last Saturday afternoon, with both Reds making their competitive debuts.
Mainoo likely only didn’t start due to his World Cup involvement; even though he didn’t feature once at the tournament, he returned to Carrington just weeks before 2026/2027 got underway, giving him little time to get himself up to speed and match-ready.
Carrick has had Carlos Baleba added to his ranks following the 22-year-old’s official unveiling yesterday. However, he is sidelined for the coming weeks with an ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season.
Win. Turn. Drive. Repeat.
Coming to the heart of United's midfield: Carlos Baleba… pic.twitter.com/qUTWs8d0QH
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 25, 2026
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