Old Trafford is ready for another huge night as Manchester United host Manchester City in the second Manchester derby of the Premier League season. This match always brings drama, pressure, and strong emotions, but this time the story feels even heavier.
Manchester United come into this derby with a new face on the touchline. Michael Carrick has been appointed as interim manager until the end of the season. For Carrick, this is not just another game. It is his first Manchester derby as a manager, and it comes at the club where he built his legacy as a player.
The atmosphere around Old Trafford is tense but hopeful. Fans know the team is not complete, yet they want to see a reaction. Carrick steps into this high-stakes fixture knowing that results matter immediately, especially against their biggest rivals.
Carrick has already admitted that his squad is not at full strength. Injuries and absences have made preparation difficult. Still, he hopes to start his temporary spell with belief, discipline, and pride in the badge.
One of United’s biggest absences is Matthijs de Ligt. The defender is sidelined with a back injury. Speaking on Friday, Carrick explained that the recovery has been “slower” than expected. He added that de Ligt should return “some time soon,” but the derby arrives too early for him.
United are also missing Noussair Mazraoui. The defender is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations. He is expected to play in Sunday’s final for hosts Morocco against Senegal, which means he will not be available for this crucial league clash.
Another name missing from Carrick’s options is Toby Collyer. United recalled him from his loan spell at West Brom earlier in January, but he is still completing his recovery. The club does not expect him to be ready until later this month.
Across the city, Manchester City arrive with problems of their own. Pep Guardiola is under serious pressure as the title race tightens. A defeat at Old Trafford could be disastrous in their chase to beat Arsenal to the Premier League crown.
City’s injury list is longer and more worrying. Guardiola has been forced to rotate and manage minutes carefully, all while trying to keep pace at the top of the table.
One of the uncertain names is Nico Gonzalez. He missed Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United. Guardiola addressed his situation clearly, saying, “We’ll see this afternoon in training,” leaving his availability in doubt until the last moment.
Ruben Dias is another major concern. The defender suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea in early January. Guardiola had ruled him out for four to six weeks, but on Friday he offered hope, saying Dias should be back “soon,” though not in time to start this derby.
John Stones remains unavailable as well. He has not played since early December due to a thigh injury. The Manchester derby comes too soon, and City must once again adjust their defensive setup.
The most serious blow is Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian international will miss not just this trip to Old Trafford, but most of the remaining 2025/26 season. He required surgery earlier this month after suffering a tibial fracture, a huge loss for Guardiola’s plans.
City are also without Omar Marmoush. The attacker is still on international duty with Egypt at AFCON. After losing to Senegal in the semi-finals, Egypt will face Nigeria in Saturday’s third-place play-off. Marmoush is expected to return to Manchester after the weekend.
Oscar Bobb completes City’s list of absentees. Guardiola confirmed that the 22-year-old is still unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury last week. His pace and creativity will be missed in a game that often needs moments of magic.
With both teams missing key players, the derby could be shaped by mentality rather than star power. Carrick will likely focus on structure, effort, and emotional control, while Guardiola must find solutions with a patched-up squad.
Old Trafford has seen many dramatic derbies over the years, and this one carries a different kind of weight. A new manager trying to prove himself. A title contender fighting injuries and pressure. Pride, points, and momentum are all on the line.
No matter the form or the absentees, the Manchester derby rarely follows the script. For Carrick, it is a chance to announce himself. For Guardiola, it is a test of resilience in a season that refuses to slow down.
