Tuesday, September 29, 2026

^ ^ Man Utd organise behind-closed-doors friendly for Michael Carrick’s struggling side

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick is trying to keep his squad match sharp during the international break (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is looking to keep his squad match sharp during the international break, with a behind-closed-doors friendly later this week.

A lot of Red Devils stars are on duty with their countries during this epic international break, with Manchester United’s next fixture still 11 days away on October 10.

However, there are still plenty with the club and training at Carrington as they prepare for a huge clash with Tottenham in their next outing.

United’s English stars are all with the club after Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad and the likes of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were not selected.

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The players Carrick has available to him will be involved in a friendly later this week against another club that Jim Ratcliffe is involved with.

The Telegraph reports that United will play Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, a club that was bought by Ineos in 2017.

Lausanne are currently bottom of the Swiss Super League with just one win in their opening nine games and seven goals scored in that time.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire celebrates after Ipswich Town's Jacob Greaves scores an own goal during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday August 30, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Harry Maguire is one of the Red Devils stars not involved with his country (Picture: PA Wire)

Both clubs will be hoping that a friendly contest will spark something in their form as the Red Devils have also had a very disappointing start to the campaign.

Carrick’s team has won just one of their first five Premier League games and has been dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton, letting slip a two-goal lead against the Seagulls to lose 3-2.

Their league form has been concerning as the only victory has come against Ipswich Town, while they have been beaten by Hull City and dropped points against Everton and Fulham.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts after teammate Lisandro Martinez scores an own goal and Fulham's first goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on September 20, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Manchester United were heavily criticised for their performance in a 1-1 draw at Fulham (Picture: Getty Images)

A loss to Manchester City is no disgrace, but given the match at Old Trafford saw Phil Foden shown a red card after just 23 minutes, it was a very frustrating defeat.

Frustrations were only increased by Erling Haaland’s winning goal proving to be incorrectly given by VAR when it should have been ruled out.

Manchester United’s early season struggles see them sitting 12th in the Premier League table and pressure already mounting on Carrick.

The Red Devils have an extremely busy October ahead of them, despite their first match of the month not being until that clash with Tottenham on the 10th.

Before the end of the month, United then face Atletico Madrid, Leeds United, Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea.


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