It will be a tough first game for Michael Carrick as his Manchester United side host Manchester City.
It is always a highly anticipated fixture and in a one-off derby game anything can happen. This has been proven by the fact in recent seasons when United have struggled, they have still been able to come up with a win over their city rivals on several occasions.
Last season, under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils managed four points in the two games against **Pep Guardiola's**side. The match at Old Trafford ended 0-0 and it was a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.
When the sides met back in September, it finished 3-0 to City, so that is something that United will be looking to respond to.
They have made a slow start to 2026. Ruben Amorim left his position and then there was no improvement under Darren Fletcher during his two matches in charge. Last weekend hey exited the FA Cup at the Third Round and that is a major disappointment, so Carrick will know that he is not walking into a team full of confidence.
Not all is lost just yet
He is, however, taking on a side who are currently seventh in the Premier League table but are still in with a good shout of qualifying for Europe next season. It is unlikely that they will remain there due to the results of others, but if they beat City they could temporarily move up to fourth.
Therefore, it is a big game for many reasons, as if they lose there are teams as far down as 12th who could equal their points tally.
Carrick is only at the helm until the end of the season and he will not be judged on this game alone, but will want to get off to a good start. Particularly as they play Arsenal in their next game, so it is a tough start to his reign.
They still have the potential to make this season a success but fans will want to see an improvement in the level of performance this weekend. An improvement in display, even if not three points, would possibly give some of the fans reasons to feel optimistic.
Will there be a new manager bounce?
United will certainly be hoping that Carrick can come in and get a reaction from the players. They appear to be low on confidence so need a fresh start.
Recently, Amorim and Fletcher only achieved draws against newly promoted sides in their first games in charge (Ipswich Town and **Burnley)**but there will be hope that Carrick can get three points. Sometimes all it takes is a new man in the dugout and things can soon change.
He will know that he only has the job until the end of the season, but will still want to do a good job of it. He was not given the chance to return but when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came in as interim manager in 2018, he went on an incredible winning run with the side, changed the atmosphere around the club and was praised. Carrick is not expecting to be a long term candidate for the job but fans will hope he can have a similar impact now.
AFCON returnees to give the side a boost?
The return of Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo from the Africa Cup of Nations could also have come at a good time for Carrick. They are two key players who have been regular starters throughout the season.
They have been pictured in training since their return and fans will hope that they are back into the side this week. The inclusion of both of these players would certainly strengthen them and help their chances of getting something from the game.
In the last two games, Benjamin Sesko has also scored three goals, so there will be hope that he can continue that scoring run.
The Manchester derby is always a game that attracts attention. With City looking to keep the pressure on table toppers **Arsenal**and the added aspect of United having a new manager, and another former player in the dugout, it has the potential to be an exciting encounter to kick off the weekend's Premier League fixtures.