Manchester United's Premier League derby against Manchester City will see Michael Carrick have two first team stars back with a number of academy stars potentially in the squad
Michael Carrick
Man United will look to derail Manchester City's Premier League title dreams(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
View 2 Images
Manchester United Under-21s' squad for their Premier League 2 clash against Fulham on Friday night has teased a number of inclusions in Michael Carrick's first squad as interim head coach.
United take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, looking to dent their city rivals' title ambitions. The game is Carrick's first match in charge after being appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season.
The Reds come into the game on the back of two disappointing results following Ruben Amorim's exit. Following a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the league, United crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle against Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the last two games, academy star Shea Lacey had been used by Darren Fletcher off the bench. The attacker, though, will be out of the City game after picking up a red card against Brighton.
Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher were unused substitutes at Old Trafford. Bendito Mantato has also been used in the first team this season, playing over 15 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Wolves.
However, on Friday night, Tom Curtis' men drew 2-2 at Fulham to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the table. Lacey bagged twice in the first 22 minutes to put United ahead before Farhaan Al-Wahid netted a brace to level the scoring.
The team selected at Motspur Park was missing several players, pointing to their inclusions at Old Trafford. Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fredricson, Tyrell Malacia - who scored in the Under-21s' win over Wolves earlier this week - and Mantato were all absent.
Lacey and Fletcher started alongside Diego Leon. Chido Obi came off the bench after an hour, despite scoring a brace in the 4-1 victory against Wolves.
It remains to be seen whether the four players who missed Friday night's game will be in the United squad for the City game. Carrick will have the luxury of having Amad and Bryan Mbeumo back for the first time since they returned from the African Cup of Nations.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United in action during a first team training session
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Harry Maguire is also back from injury after making his first appearance in the cup defeat to Brighton. Matthijs de Ligt is still out, although there is hope that he returns soon. "Matthijs de Ligt has been carrying a bit of an issue but, hopefully, we'll get him back in some time soon," he said.
"It's been a little bit slower than what they thought previously. All in all, the boys are in good shape. I just feel the energy, whether it's fresh or not!
"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."
Content cannot be displayed without consent