Manchester United’s squad problems are gradually being resolved in time for Michael Carrick’s interim manager debut in this weekend’s Manchester derby. The Red Devils have struggled to assert their dominance over local rivals Manchester City of late, winning just one of their last five home games. This latest chapter in the historic rivalry will unfold against the backdrop of significant changes to United’s coaching staff.
It starts with a tough match against Manchester City this weekend. The return of Amado Mbeumo and Brian Mbeumo to Carrington is therefore a welcome addition.
Both players were selected to represent their countries at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, but have not played since mid-December.
Amad wore the jersey of reigning champions Ivory Coast, while Mbeumo wore the jersey of Cameroon. Unfortunately, both players were eliminated in the quarterfinals last weekend.
Ivory Coast lost to Egypt, while Cameroon lost to hosts Morocco, who featured United defender Nousser Mazraoui.
Despite the personal setback, they were able to shift their focus back to the 2025-26 club campaign, returning to a markedly different United to the one they left a month earlier.
With Michael Carrick in charge, both players could be competing for a starting spot against City.
Carrick reportedly intends to deviate from Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, favoring a four-man defense instead. During his time at Middlesbrough, he usually deployed his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The previous set-up allowed both players to start, with Mbeumo leading the attack and Amad not only providing support but also taking on more defensive responsibilities. Before leaving AFCON, Mbeumo made 17 appearances for United, scoring seven goals and providing one assist, while Amad had two goals and two assists.
But it was Amad who stole the show at AFCON. In an attacking role, the 23-year-old has recorded three goals and one assist in five games, more than Mbeumo’s one assist in the same number of games.
Carrick therefore faces a crucial decision on who will fill the right-wing position when United face City this weekend.
