Manchester United are preparing for a huge Premier League showdown against Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime, and all eyes are on Michael Carrick. This match will be Carrick’s first in charge as interim head coach, following his appointment until the end of the season. The timing could not be more intense, as he faces United’s biggest rivals in his debut game.
The Manchester derby always brings pressure, emotion, and drama. This one feels even heavier. United are not only trying to stop City’s title push, but they are also searching for stability after recent struggles. Carrick steps into the spotlight at a moment when confidence needs to be rebuilt quickly.
United head into this match after two disappointing results. A 2-2 draw with Burnley in the league left fans frustrated, and an FA Cup exit to Brighton and Hove Albion added to the sense of disappointment. Those results followed the departure of Ruben Amorim, leaving the squad in a fragile moment.
Despite the pressure, Carrick’s first squad selection is already being hinted at. Clues have emerged from Manchester United Under-21s’ recent Premier League 2 match against Fulham on Friday night. The team selection for that game suggested several young players may be involved at senior level this weekend.
Tom Curtis’ Under-21 side drew 2-2 with Fulham at Motspur Park, a result that kept United three points clear at the top of the table. Shea Lacey was the star of the night, scoring twice in the opening 22 minutes to give United early control. However, Fulham responded strongly, with Farhaan Al-Wahid scoring two goals to level the match.
While the result was important, the squad selection was even more telling. The Under-21s were far from full strength, which strongly suggests that several players were being held back for first-team involvement at Old Trafford.
Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fredricson, Tyrell Malacia, and Bendito Mantato were all missing from the Fulham match. Their absence immediately raised questions, especially with a major derby just one day later. Malacia, in particular, has been in good form, having scored in the Under-21s’ recent win over Wolves earlier in the week.
Shea Lacey, despite his excellent performance, will not be available for the City clash. The young forward received a red card during the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, ruling him out of senior involvement this weekend. This is a big disappointment, especially after he impressed off the bench in recent matches under Darren Fletcher.
Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher were both unused substitutes at Old Trafford in recent games, while Mantato has already tasted first-team football this season. He played over 15 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Wolves, showing that he is firmly on the coaching staff’s radar.
Lacey and Tyler Fletcher both started against Fulham alongside Diego Leon. Chido Obi came on after 60 minutes, even though he had scored twice in the 4-1 victory over Wolves earlier this week. This decision again hints that Obi may be closer to senior involvement than many expect.
Whether the players who missed Friday night’s match will feature in Carrick’s derby squad is still unclear. However, their absence strongly suggests that they were being protected or prepared for first-team duties.
There is also positive news on the senior side. Carrick will be able to call on Amad and Bryan Mbeumo for the first time since their return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Their availability adds pace, creativity, and attacking threat at a time when United need fresh energy.
Harry Maguire has also returned from injury. He made his comeback during the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, and his experience could be crucial in a high-pressure derby against City’s powerful attack.
Matthijs de Ligt, however, remains unavailable. The Dutch defender is still recovering, although there is growing optimism that his return is not far away. Carrick addressed his situation directly when speaking to the media.
Carrick said: “Matthijs de Ligt has been carrying a bit of an issue, but hopefully, we’ll get him back in some time soon. It’s been a little bit slower than they thought previously.”
Despite the injury concerns, Carrick sounded positive about the overall condition of his squad. He spoke about the mood around the club and the effort shown in training during his first week in charge.
He added: “All in all, the boys are in good shape. I just feel the energy, whether it’s fresh or not!”
For Carrick, this job is not just about surviving until the end of the season. He made it clear that he wants to enjoy the work, build a strong culture, and chase success, even under difficult circumstances.
Carrick said: “Obviously, I’m delighted to be here. I want to work a certain way, I want to enjoy what we do and work hard to get success. The boys have put the work in this week, and we feel we’re ready.”
Saturday’s derby will be a true test of those words. Manchester City arrive as one of the strongest teams in Europe, but United will believe that a focused performance, smart squad choices, and fresh faces could make the difference.
With young talents waiting for their chance, key players returning from injury and international duty, and a new voice in the dugout, this Manchester derby feels unpredictable. Michael Carrick’s first team selection could send a strong message about the direction United are heading in.
One thing is certain. All eyes will be on Old Trafford, and on Carrick, as he begins his managerial journey in one of football’s toughest fixtures.
