Darren Fletcher oversaw two games as Man Utd caretaker, but Michael Carrick has now been appointed as head coach.
Carrick pictured during training.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Michael Carrick asked Manchester United fans to "come on Saturday with everything you've got" in a rallying cry ahead of the Manchester derby. Old Trafford was flat last weekend, but the appointment of Carrick and the visit of the noisy neighbours should provoke a reaction on the terraces.
Carrick knows what it means to play against Manchester City. The former midfielder won 12 of his 23 derbies during an outstanding playing career, losing nine and drawing the other two.
It won't be easy to outwit Pep Guardiola in his first game in charge, but Carrick will give it his best shot. The 44-year-old took his first training session on Wednesday, and the quick impact he made as caretaker in 2021, and subsequently as Middlesbrough manager a year later, provides grounds for optimism.
Carrick admitted he made mistakes at Middlesbrough during his unveiling interview with United's club media earlier in the week. There will be no margin for error against the world's best manager.
United will likely have to be almost perfect to secure a victory in the Manchester derby, though the chances of a result are higher now that Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are available again. The pair have been at the Africa Cup of Nations for the last month but they are back at Carrington, which is a timely double boost for Carrick.
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo
Amad and Mbeumo are back from AFCON.(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United's newly appointed head coach will have an almost full-strength squad against City this weekend, aside from Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman has not played since facing Crystal Palace on November 30 due to a back injury, and a source this week confirmed that he is still injured and unless Carrick confirms otherwise, it seems likely he will remain out of action.
Ruben Amorim's options were limited by injury and AFCON in the final weeks of his tenure, while Darren Fletcher had to manage with a weakened squad during his brief stint as caretaker.
Carrick has been afforded a luxury his predecessors did not have. He is about to navigate tougher fixtures, facing the Premier League's two best sides in eight days, but an almost full-strength squad will help.
It will also cause headaches that his predecessors did not have to deal with. Carrick is expected to play 4-2-3-1, which poses the question: Can Amad and Mbeumo play together in that system?
Both players would be best suited to playing on the right flank - and there is only room for one starter on that side. Mbeumo could be moved to the left in order to accommodate Amad on the right, but that seems unlikely in Carrick's first game in charge, given the risk involved.
It's a welcome headache to have, however, considering Matheus Cunha's performances in the last few weeks. The Brazilian must contribute more in the final third and could lose his place if he does not improve.
Cunha must contribute more goals.(Image: )
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There is also a question about where Mason Mount fits into the system. He would be best-suited to the central attacking midfield position, but Bruno Fernandes will have that spot nailed down.
Mount finally began to deliver consistently strong performances in a United shirt under Amorim, who spoke glowingly about Mount's quality, and United have been better when he has started this term.
Some United fans would pick Mount without hesitation in their strongest XI for the derby on Saturday, while others may not find room for him.
The extra squad options also raises questions about minutes for emerging academy prospects, like Shea Lacey, who was given two senior appearances by Fletcher. Lacey's cameo against Burnley was promising and he built on that display against Brighton, which was slightly marred by his red card.
Lacey was applauded off the pitch at Old Trafford after receiving two yellows, which felt like recognition of a proper United winger from fans who appreciate old-school wing play.
It would be a mistake to allow Lacey to drift into the background and drop back to the Under-21s for competitive minutes because he's shown enough promise to be around the first-team squad permanently.
So Carrick has a few headaches due to his strengthened options, which can only be a positive.