Michael Carrick’s defense faces a stern test against the noisy neighbors, with Nico O’Reilly to be fit whilst Jeremy Doku remains a major doubt for the Cityzens.
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Following an agonizingly late screamer from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, which condemned Manchester United to a draw away at Everton on Sunday, Michael Carrick and his men will be looking to fire back in this weekend's clash with the noisy neighbours.
Despite the painful ending to the match, Carrick and his staff will still be pleased with certain aspects of the team's performance, with Bryan Mbeumo continuing his impressive start to the season, scoring a magnificent solo goal to put the Reds ahead, as well as Benjamin Sesko getting off the mark for the season.
However, alongside this, there were still a number of visible red flags in the Reds' performance, with the defense once again raising questions amongst the United faithful.
Having now conceded two goals in all three of the opening matches of the season, United will have to rectify this quickly, especially with Manchester City set to visit Old Trafford this Sunday in a game that could either kickstart United's season or raise even further alarm bells.
Maresca Issues O'Reilly Doku Update
Following reports from City Xtra, which questioned Maresca regarding the fitness of his squad ahead of a significant week of football for the Blues.
The Italian was able to somewhat confirm the availability of Nico O'Reilly, who is said to be 'probably' fit for Sunday's clash at Old Trafford, and will certainly be something Byan Mbeumo and the rest of United's attack will have to bear in mind.
However, the same cannot be said for Belgium's Jeremy Doku, whose availability for this weekend's derby appears to be in doubt, with Maresca stating:
"I don't know if he can be available for the weekend [against Manchester United], but slowly, slowly he is back."
New signing Iliman Ndiaye could also be a doubt for Sunday, following his late departure from City's last outing against newly promoted Coventry City, but the City head coach has since attributed it to a 'cramp'.
Michael Carrick faces a selection dilemma as the Red Devils return to Europe's elite, balancing Marcus Rashford’s fitness concerns against a looming derby with Manchester City.roundtable.ioRashford, Amad, Baleba: Man Utd Injury Updates vs Sabah FK (Champions League)
Michael Carrick faces a selection dilemma as the Red Devils return to Europe's elite, balancing Marcus Rashford’s fitness concerns against a looming derby with Manchester City.
Derby Victory Vital To United's Season
After what has been a rather disappointing start to the season, United have no better opportunity to make amends this weekend against Manchester City in a fixture that not only means so much because of the rivalry, but also because of the potential bearing this may go on to have on United's season.
With a win, only putting the Reds two points behind their City rivals, and with Fulham away soon to follow, victory on Sunday could really help breathe new life into United's season just before we head into the first prolonged international break of the season.
However, defeat, especially if dominant, as we have seen many times before, at the hands of the Cityzens, could potentially spell disaster for Michael Carrick.
Although the general consensus amongst United fans is that they are happy with the former United midfielder at the helm, regardless of what happens on Sunday, the media backlash and pressure that would soon follow after a defeat would further increase the spotlight on a fairly unsuccessful start to the season for the Reds, and is a pressure as we have seen in the past that not many managers can cope with when things turn Sour.