Carrick explains Shaw's absence
Manchester United's caretaker boss Michael Carrick has added some additional information regarding the non-inclusion of full-back Luke Shaw against Villarreal.
The Reds' no.23 sustained another head injury in the 4-1 defeat against Watford on Saturday and did not travel with the squad as a precaution surrounding the nature of the problem.
Shaw was substituted around the new Premier League ruling surrounding concussion protocols, being replaced by Diogo Dalot with six minutes remaining at Vicarage Road.
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Carrick provided an update on the England international, stating to BT Sport: ''Luke had concussion a couple of weeks ago [during the Manchester derby against City] and then got another knock, so we just need to assess him as a precaution.''
With Carrick making four changes in southern Spain this evening, another omission from the side was playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
Our Portuguese midfielder started on the bench with Carrick emphasising he had numerous options ahead of announcing his team selection.
''I’ve only been in this role for 48 hours but there are decisions to be made, there’s a team to be picked and I was spoilt for choice with the options I had, it's as simple as that really.
''Five subs is a lot of substitutes in the Champions League and there will be a lot of players that play a big part tonight. Not one of the players have been at their best, there’s no hiding from that, but there’s a team to be picked,'' added Carrick.
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“Not one of the players have been at the best, there’s no hiding from that, but there’s a team to be picked. I love Bruno, I think he’s a fantastic player, a great person, he ran his socks off on Saturday and gave absolutely everything. He’s played a lot of games as well. It’s my job to pick the team, I’ve picked the team and that’s what we’ll go with, but it doesn’t mean Bruno’s not important.”
Elsewhere for United this evening, Anthony Martial comes in for Marcus Rashford, while Fred received the nod ahead of our Serbian midfielder, Nemanja Matic.
The Reds can secure qualification to the knockout stages with a win at the Estadio de la Cerámica, but will have their work cut out against last season's Europa League victors.