Man United and Michael Carrick are digging deep after their team news got leaked again ahead of Manchester derby.
Michael Carrick & Man Utd Worried About Team News Leaks
Manchester United were celebrating a positive moment after their derby win over Manchester City. But, the mood quickly shifted behind the closed doors. Hours before the game, the starting lineup chosen by Michael Carrick appeared online with proper accuracy. For a club that values control and secrecy, this was a serious red flag.
Meanwhile, Carrick who is stepping into the spotlight as interim boss, had carefully prepared his plans. But, someone outside the coaching circle seemed to know them in advance. The victory itself was impressive, with Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo scoring key goals at Old Trafford. Although, the result could not hide the deeper issue. Man United have faced similar leaks for nearly a decade. With that, every incident has chipped away at trust inside the club.
Players were left confused and the coaching staff felt exposed. In addition, the rivals gained unnecessary clues about United’s approach. This time, the problem felt harder to ignore because it happened during a high-pressure derby. At the time, the tactical details can change everything. As a result, senior figures at United moved in quickly and opened an internal investigation. They are looking to trace the source of the leak and protect the team’s future plans.
🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United have launched an internal investigation in an effort to discover how their starting XI leaked hours before last week’s derby.
Sun Sport obtained the correct starting XI, which seemed to irritate a number of people at the club.
[@samuelluckhurst] pic.twitter.com/ZQ9gKrZnB6
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) January 23, 2026
A Long History Of Leaks And Growing Frustration
This is not the only case that has followed the Premier League club for years. Players, staff, and even fans have often wondered how private information keeps reaching the public so easily. Reports suggest that the club has launched several inquiries in the past as well. However, the problem has never fully disappeared.
Only weeks earlier, similar issues came to light when Ruben Amorim’s tactical changes emerged on the day of a match against Bournemouth. That incident already raised alarms, and the new leak involving Carrick has intensified the sense of urgency. United’s leadership believes that repeated leaks damage preparation and reputation.
When opponents know plans early, it gives them an edge. When fans see internal matters exposed, it creates doubt about unity. Some former players have also warned that leaks can divide dressing rooms and weaken authority. The club has refused to comment publicly, but insiders suggest that patience is running out. Man Utd now see the investigation not just as a reaction but as a necessary step to rebuild discipline. They want trust within the squad at Old Trafford.
What This Means For United’s Future?
Beyond the immediate search for the source, the situation shows a deeper challenge for Manchester Utd. Modern football thrives on strategy, secrecy, and tight communication. That said, any breach can weaken a team’s competitive edge. Carrick’s experience is similar to what Amorim faced earlier. This shows that the issue is not linked to one manager but rooted in the club’s structure.
If United fail to solve the problem, future coaches could face the same disruption. Team’s tactical work may lose its impact before matches even begin. It also raises questions about internal culture and loyalty at one of the **PL**‘s biggest clubs. The investigation could mark a turning point if it leads to stronger internal controls.
Fans want to see a club that protects its plans and stands united under pressure. The coming weeks will reveal whether United can finally close the gaps that have allowed leaks to happen. The club’s response will also shape how players view their roles in the long term. If the investigation is handled properly, it could strengthen unity inside the squad.
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