Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick will be given a boost as two star players join his squad just days before their exciting debut against Manchester City at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has something to celebrate ahead of his first outing as Manchester United caretaker manager – against Manchester City as well… (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
The problems in Manchester United’s squad are starting to resolve themselves and the timing is perfect as Michael Carrick prepares for his first match as caretaker manager in Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
United have struggled to gain an edge against local rivals Manchester City in recent years, winning just one of their last five games at home. This latest installment in the historic rivalry comes after the Red Devils recently implemented significant changes to their coaching structure.
Former manager Ruben Amorim was sacked earlier this month. On Tuesday, just four days before Josep Guardiola’s arrival, an agreement was reached for former United midfielder Carrick to return as caretaker manager for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
European qualification is still within reach for United this season and Carrick will be hoping to get off to the best possible start at Old Trafford with a baptism of fire against Manchester City this weekend. That’s why I was so encouraged to see Amado and Brian Mbeumo return to Carrington.
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Both players have been called up to represent their countries in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations and have been sidelined since mid-December. Amad was part of the reigning champion Ivory Coast team, while Mbeumo was playing for Cameroon.
Unfortunately, both were eliminated in the quarterfinals last weekend. Ivory Coast were eliminated by Egypt, while Cameroon lost to host Morocco, which also boasts fellow United star Nousser Mazraoui.
Despite the personal disappointment, this means they can focus on their club activities in 2025/26 and return to a very different United to the one they left last month. With Carrick in charge, both returning players could compete for a starting spot.
Amad and Brian Mbeumo returned for Michael Carrick’s first training session as Manchester United manager (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The interim manager plans to deviate from Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation and instead opt for a back four. Carrick usually set his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation while managing Championship team Middlesbrough.
The previous arrangement allowed both players to start, with Mbeumo taking part in attack and Amado overlapped but given more defensive duties. Before leaving for AFCON, the former made 17 appearances for United, scoring seven goals and providing one assist, while the latter had two goals and two assists.
However, it was Amad who shined even more at AFCON. In his own attacking role, the 23-year-old scored three goals and provided one assist in five games, while Mbeumo had one assist in the same number of appearances.
Carrick therefore has an important choice to make as to who will start on the right-wing in this weekend’s match between United and City.
Michael Carrick will take charge of United against Man City this weekend (Image: Getty)
“It is an honor to take on the responsibility of leading Manchester United,” the former England international declared upon taking over. “I know what it takes to be successful here. My focus now is to help our players reach the standards we expect at this great club and I know this team is more than capable.”
“I have already worked with some of the players and have, of course, continued to follow the team closely in recent years. I have full faith in their talent, dedication and ability to succeed here.”
“There is still much to compete for this season. We are ready to bring everyone together and give the performance that our fans’ loyal support deserves.”
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