Michael Carrick oversaw a superb Manchester United victory over Manchester City, though a new injury concern could dampen the triumph
Michael Carrick may have a fresh injury blow to contend with after the huge win over Manchester City
Michael Carrick may have a fresh injury blow to contend with after the huge win over Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Copa/Getty Images))
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Manchester United secured a memorable victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed the win as Michael Carrick marked his first game in interim charge in style.
Mbeumo and Amad, both only just back from AFCON, went straight into the starting XI with the former on target after 65 minutes of sustained United dominance. Dorgu then doubled United's lead later in the second half as he slammed home Matheus Cunha's back-post cross.
Having welcomed two key attackers back into the fold, the absence of Joshua Zirkzee was less of a blow. The 24-year-old has been linked with a January move to Roma, but United sources have stated he was missing because of a knock, as relayed by BBC Sport.
United have no real other major injuries with Harry Maguire back and included from the off for the first time in nearly three months. However, Matthijs de Ligt remains out, and it is unclear when he could return.
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The defender has been absent since December but Carrick has hinted a return to the fold is getting closer. On the Netherlands international, he said: "Matthijs 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 what they thought previously."
Noussair Mazraoui was also unavailable for the Manchester derby, but not because of injury with the defender still at the Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco beat Nigeria in the semi-finals and will face Senegal in the final on Sunday.
As such, he is likely to be back in Manchester in time for United's next Premier League clash against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
With United out of both domestic competitions, all the focus will be on the league and Carrick has almost the entirety of his squad fit and available.
Mason Mount of Manchester United
Mason Mount saw his Manchester United goal ruled out for offside(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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That has resulted in Benjamin Sesko and Leny Yoro not even featuring, while Ayden Heaven and Mason Mount had brief cameos.
The latter thought he had scored in the final knockings but VAR ruled his strike out for an offside on Matheus Cunha, who had provided the cross.
Nonetheless, it was an excellent performance and result for Carrick, but it does not get easier from this point as the league leaders are up next.
The Gunners could have several players absent for their clash against United as Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori are currently dealing with injury issues.
Mikel Arteta's side play Nottingham Forest this evening and then Inter in Champions League action before the visit of United with more clarity on injuries set to arrive over the week.