Michael Carrick will be hoping his Manchester United side can beat Manchester City on Saturday but there is one key decision he has to make before the derby
Jack Flintham
13:26, 16 Jan 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Amazon Prime TV pundit Michael Carrick during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal CF at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has problems to ponder at Manchester United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
How to halt Erling Haaland is a question that Michael Carrick likely didn't expect to be pondering before the events of the last fortnight, but it's now a pressing concern ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby.
The answer for most Premier League clubs over the past three-and-a-half years has been straightforward: you can't. Manchester United have found Manchester City's star player to be a constant nuisance, but they're not alone in their frustration.
He boasts an impressive scoring record against most teams in the division, proving he only needs a glimmer of opportunity to find the back of the net. This isn't exactly the news United fans or Carrick want to hear, particularly with this derby being so pivotal for those of a red persuasion.
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is a tough man to keep quiet for 90 minutes
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Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is a tough man to keep quiet for 90 minutes(Image: Getty Images)
The Haaland conundrum will be at the forefront of Carrick's mind as he readies his squad for the derby. While the Norwegian is far from City's only threat, especially with the addition of Antoine Semenyo, if United can neutralise him, they stand a good chance of securing a favourable outcome, reports the Manchester Evening News.
To achieve this, they'll need their centre-backs to be on top form. In Darren Fletcher's two games at the helm, one constant in the centre-back partnership has been Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine has thrived since the return of the back four and is likely to be in Carrick's starting line-up for the derby. However, who will partner him remains a topic of debate.
Ayden Heaven had a challenging outing against Burnley, being substituted after just an hour on the pitch. He was replaced by Leny Yoro on Sunday, but the Frenchman is currently struggling with his form. United can ill afford to field a defender lacking in confidence and form against City, particularly with Haaland as their opponent.
Manchester United need Harry Maguire
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Manchester United need Harry Maguire(Image: Getty Images)
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This isn't the match to try and help Yoro regain his top form. Ideally, Matthijs de Ligt would be fit to face City, but it appears he'll be sidelined once more. This leaves Carrick with a straightforward decision: bring Harry Maguire back into the starting XI.
Maguire has recently been receiving treatment at Carrington but is now fully fit. A return against City seems the most logical move. In a physical contest, United need a player like Maguire to take on Haaland.
While both Heaven and Yoro have immense potential, this high-stakes game calls for seasoned players. Despite his critics, Maguire must start on Saturday.