Two of Manchester United’s stars who were competing in the African Cup of Nations could feature in the Manchester derby today.
The Red Devils host local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford today (January 17), with caretaker manager Michael Carrick getting a literal trial by fire for his first game in charge.
After Ivory Coast and Cameroon were eliminated from AFCON, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are back in England and available for selection today. Noussair Mazraoui is still unavailable, with Morocco playing against Senegal in the final this weekend.
The Manchester derby will be Michael Carrick’s first game as Man United’s caretaker manager.placeholder image
The Manchester derby will be Michael Carrick’s first game as Man United’s caretaker manager. | MUTV
Shea Lacey is suspended after picking up a red card in the FA Cup tie defea to Brighton, and defender Matthijs de Ligt is still sidelined with injury - but Harry Maguire is fit and ready to play.
Speaking in a press conference, Carrick said: “We've had a good week really - Matthijs de Ligt has been carrying a bit of an issue but, hopefully, we'll get him back in some time soon.
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“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.”
As for Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola has said that striker Erling Haaland will need a rest soon - presumably once Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush is back from AFCON. Elsewhere on the pitch, he is also navigating a defensive injury crisis, with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones all sidelined.
Pep Guardiola is missing of his three centre-backs due to injury.placeholder image
Pep Guardiola is missing of his three centre-backs due to injury. | Getty Images
It comes as Man City near a deal with Crystal Palace for centre-back Marc Guehi, who could move to the Etihad for around £20m.
Guardiola said: “When he [Marmoush] finishes the third place play-off game, he’ll come back.
“Without John, without Ruben, without Josko, we’re in a difficult situation not for one game, but for a long, long period. Ruben will be back soon, John hopefully, we’ll see - but Josko, no.”
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