EXCLUSIVE: Clayton Blackmore has singled out the player who could win Manchester United the Manchester derby and lauded his impact at the club since making his arrival in the summer
08:00, 17 Jan 2026
Manchester United Coach Michael Carrick answers questions from the media at a press conference during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on November 22, 2021 in Manchester, England.
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Michael Carrick has been told the Manchester United star crucial to Manchester derby success(Image: Getty)
Manchester United legend Clayton Blackmore has singled out the one player who could win the Red Devils the Manchester derby on Saturday.
United entertain neighbours Manchester City in Michael Carrick’s first game in charge, with the small matter of having to beat Pep Guardiola’s side to end what would become a run of five matches without a win in all competitions.
The Reds come into the derby in a worrying position, with Carrick leading his players out for the first time since he was appointed interim manager until the end of the season. If United were to upset the odds and the form book, it would spark United’s Champions League pursuit back into life – the only thing they have left to play for this season.
Michael Carrick in 2025
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Michael Carrick's Manchester United will face Manchester City this weekend(Image: PA)
But former United star and academy graduate Blackmore believes that the hosts can pull off a shock victory, and the form of Senne Lammens between the sticks will be crucial.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via best online casinos UK, Blackmore said: “Yeah, I'd expect us to do well in the game as well to be honest. Everyone may think United will get beaten comfortably, but I think United can do really well in this game.
“I know a few City fans, they're nervous that we're going to beat them. And it could happen. It's 11v11 on the day. If your goalkeeper has a worldie, you could win.
Senne Lammens of Manchester United
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Senne Lammens has impressed at Manchester United since his £18.2million from Royal Antwerp(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
“There are so many little things that could go your way. And we now have a much better goalkeeper than we had before in (Andre) Onana, so this is an improvement. But for me, in David De Gea, we should have never got rid of him.
“It’s so important to have a great goalkeeper and we have had many in the past.”
Blackmore also remained positive on United’s chances to secure Champions League football for next year. The former Wales international insisted the congested table would help the Reds, with just nine points separating Liverpool in 4th and Bournemouth in 15th.
Clayton Blackmore
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Clayton Blackmore spent 12 years in the first team at Manchester United(Image: Mirrorpix)
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He said: “Is it possible? It's got to be. Yeah, it's possible. Look, I think the league's very congested right now and anyone can give any team a game. Look at Wolves, who drew with Man Utd and could have drawn against Arsenal.
“We have to play to our strengths and in Benjamin Sesko, we have to play to his strengths. You can see from his time in Germany, he likes the balls in behind, exactly the way (Romelu) Lukaku did and we must now move to playing the ball to him where he wants it.
“He has scored a few goals recently and can score more. Get crosses in the box earlier too.”