Michael Carrick faced Josep Guardiola in his first game as interim head coach, with Manchester United hosting Manchester City in a derby on Saturday.
Michael Carrick has only been on the training pitch with Manchester United players for a few days (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has been dropped straight into the Manchester derby, with Manchester City visiting Old Trafford on Saturday looking to spoil the party.
Carrick hasn’t been given much time to implement his ideas since he was named interim head coach until the end of the season. However, Manchester United fans will be hoping that the return of their legendary new manager will help them jump-start their season against their rivals.
City are on a 13-game unbeaten run and know they need a win after three successive league draws have left Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League. They strengthened their squad with the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for £65m, but have struggled with injuries in defence.
With Brian Mbeumo and Amad back from the African Cup of Nations, could Carrick bring some elements of Feed Good back to Old Trafford? Or will City simply prove too strong on derby day? Mirror Football writers share their predictions.
read more: Why Michael Carrick’s recent job prepared him perfectly for the Manchester United challengeread more: Bruno Fernandes quits the club for two reasons that speak volumes for Manchester United
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john cross
Pep Guardiola is in top form and is sure to ruin Michael Carrick’s big day. It’s a big opportunity for Manchester United’s newest manager and it’s shaping up to be an opportunity. But it’s hard to see United manager Carrick and his merry band stopping Manchester City when they’re on a roll.
The appointment of the former United player is sure to be a huge test for City’s resolve, as it would be a huge leap forward for Old Trafford and give them real hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. There will be talk of United’s first line-up, as it appears Carrick could be unshackled and become more attacking and interesting than he was under Ruben Amorim.
But City manager Guardiola needs a win, and although they have recently dropped points and been weak defensively, they looked eerily back to form against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup in midweek. City need to get into this title fight and I think they will.
Prediction: Man United 1-2 Man City
Pep Guardiola will face Michael Carrick this weekend (Image: Getty Images)
Andy Dunn
United will need some encouragement from a fairly old new manager if they are to win an over against Josep Guardiola’s side, but this is no match for City. United will get a boost from the good-natured Michael Carrick, as well as an adrenaline rush from the returns of Amadou and Brian Mbeumo.
Despite keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle in midweek, this City team is vulnerable to counter-attacks, and Carrick’s side have plenty of attacking threat, if not clinical firepower. Amad may not start, but Carrick will certainly unleash Mbeumo and allow United to attack City with wide attacking areas.
The home side will likely score goals in this contest, but the perennial question is whether they will be able to prevent the visiting team from scoring more. And that will be a big ask when playing against a City team that is unbeaten in 13 games. Although the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki look in great form, Phil Foden is far from guaranteed to be a starter at Old Trafford. That’s scary considering how good he was in the first half of the season.
It’s not a cage, it’s not a walker. For neutrals, it should be a great watch. And, not for the first time this season, United were able to play their part in an entertaining high-scoring draw.
Prediction: Man United 3-3 Man City
Antoine Semenyo has been giving his all since joining Manchester City (Image: (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images))
Let us know what you think. Which team will come out on top in the Manchester derby? Comment below.
sam mead
Understandably, there is a new energy around United with Carrick in attendance, but I don’t think that will be enough to take any joy out of this weekend’s derby. Two results for Darren Fletcher’s Red Devils underline the amount of effort required.
And it won’t be accomplished over three days at Carrington. It takes time. Carrick may have a slight advantage as he knows that Guardiola and City may struggle to see what the team will or cannot do given it is his first appearance.
However, the Blue Half remained in the title race and underlined their quality with victory over Newcastle that week. They know they can’t afford any more draws if they are to catch Arsenal, and Antoine Semenyo seems to have given them renewed energy. I can’t see anything but City winning.
Prediction: Man United 0-2 Man City
neil mcleman
Call it the new manager’s mettle, or perhaps sheer determination not to lose the derby and seriously damage City’s title challenge, but Michael Carrick’s side can pick up a point at Old Trafford. Manchester United have had a terrible few seasons and recent weeks. However, their record against Josep Guardiola’s side was better than that, including a win and two draws in last season’s FA Cup final.
Expect more tactical flexibility from Carrick and a fresh start for the players. Benjamin Sesco finally showed his ability to score, but City’s defense weakened and they conceded a goal. It’s time for Brian Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha to fire their front tridents together.
Stopping Erling Haaland at the other end will be a big challenge, but the Norwegian has only scored once in six games. He has five goals and three assists in three games against Man United. Fast and furious would be a good result for Arsenal.
Prediction: Man United 1-1 Man City
Amad and Brian Mbeumo return to Manchester United (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Jeremy Cross
Romantics in red will believe Manchester United can pull off a shock victory. Michael Carrick is playing his first game in charge and is a popular figure in the dressing room, while United have home backing.
And United have had surprise derby wins before. But realists will know that Manchester City are even more likely to emerge victorious.
The bottom line is that United have been terrible in recent weeks, while City, despite being plagued by injuries, have better players in every department. Most notably in attack, United are without Brian Mbeumo and rely on the unpredictable Benjamin Sesco, while City are led by Erling Haaland up front. Haaland will be hell-bent on defeating his neighbor.
Prediction: Man United 0-2 Man City
james whaling
At least with the atmosphere at Old Trafford getting even stronger ahead of City’s visit, we hope the new manager will step up from the pitch.
Michael Carrick is a true United legend and will have immediate support at the Stretford End. But the fact remains that United are not very good and City are good. I expect them to be too much for United, even if they have some injury problems. Antoine Semenyo has made an immediate impact and I expect him to have a big say here as well.
Erling Haaland has been quiet by his standards in recent weeks, but this is exactly the kind of game where he will shine. United could quickly get out of the blocks and maybe even take the lead. But City’s quality shines in the end.
Prediction: Man United 1-3 Man City
Erling Haaland is a clear threat to Manchester City (Image: Getty Images)
ben husband
Carrick will need to take a leaf out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s book after beating him in the race to become the latest holder of the poisoned chalice. Incredibly, the Norwegian has a winning record against Guardiola in the Premier League during his time as United manager, winning three times, drawing one and losing twice to Guardiola in six meetings.
United will be hoping for the kind of momentum they enjoyed under Solskjær, but unfortunately for Carrick the team still has major limitations. The return of Mbeumo and Amadou will help, but as Darren Fletcher has shown, atmosphere and buzz about the ‘United Way’ is not enough for this group of players.
And with Semenyo joining the team, City feel they can really improve from here on out. I hope they can keep United away for a comfortable win away.
Prediction: Man United 0-2 Man City
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